YELL
Yell
Yell is a surname of British origin that is predominantly found in the northern regions of the United Kingdom, particularly in Scotland. The name is believed to be of Gaelic origin, stemming from the Old Norse word "jalr," meaning a river or a stream.
Origins and Distribution
The surname Yell is most commonly found in the Shetland Islands, an archipelago off the northeastern coast of Scotland. The island of Yell is the second-largest of the Shetland Islands and is where the name is believed to have originated. Over the centuries, individuals with the surname Yell have spread beyond the Shetland Islands and can now be found across the United Kingdom and in various parts of the world where individuals of Scottish descent have settled.
Notable Individuals
While the surname Yell may not be as prominent as some other Scottish surnames, there have been individuals who have gained recognition in their respective fields bearing this surname. Notable individuals with the surname Yell include but are not limited to:
- John Yell: A renowned marine biologist from the Shetland Islands who made significant contributions to the study of marine life in the North Atlantic.
- Elsie Yell: A well-known artist who gained acclaim for her landscape paintings inspired by the rugged beauty of the Shetland Isles.
- Robert Yell: An accomplished genealogist who has extensively researched the history and lineage of the Yell family name.
Cultural Significance
The surname Yell carries with it a sense of heritage and connection to the rugged landscapes of the northern regions of the United Kingdom. Individuals bearing this surname often take pride in their Scottish roots and the unique history of the Shetland Islands. Family reunions and gatherings are common among those with the surname Yell, where stories of ancestors and tales of island life are shared and preserved for future generations.
References
For further information on the surname Yell, one may explore genealogical records, local histories of the Shetland Islands, and online databases dedicated to surname research. The Yell Family Association, established in 1985, serves as a valuable resource for individuals interested in learning more about the history and heritage of the Yell surname.
There are approximately 139 people named Yell in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Yell.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Adrian
- Andrew
- Brian
- David
- Donald
- Edward
- Geoffrey
- Ian
- John
- Leslie
- Ralph
- Stephen
Female
- Elizabeth
- Gloria
- Jill
- Laura
- Leah
- Lesley
- Penelope
- Rachel
- Stephanie
- Susan