Surname Atwell - Meaning and Origin
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Atwell Surname Uncovered: A Viking Connection and English Roots Revealed through iGENEA DNA Test
Using the iGENEA DNA test, my quest to unveil the history of my surname Atwell has led me to the Vikings, while also uncovering further interesting facts about its English roots. The revelations put forth by this genetic journey catapult me into an unexpected ancestral voyage.
X. Atwell
read moreAtwell: What does the surname Atwell mean?
The surname Atwell is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is a topographic name for someone who lived near a spring or a well. It is derived from the Old English words "aet", meaning 'at' and "welle", meaning 'well'. So, the bearer of the name Atwell is presumed to have lived near a water source. This name dates back to the 7th Century and has several variations including Atwill, Attwell, Attewill, and Atewell. Its early recordings can be found in London church registers from the 16th century. Note that meanings of surnames are interpretative and may not present a verifiable fact about every individual bearing the name Atwell.
Order DNA origin analysisAtwell: Where does the name Atwell come from?
The surname Atwell is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from a place often near a spring or a well. It is a classic example of an English habitational surname, which took their name from the place they lived or were associated with. In Old English, it consists of two elements, "aet," which means "at," and "wella," meaning "well."
Various regions and towns in England named "Atwell" gave rise to this surname, such as Attleborough in Norfolk, Andover in Hampshire, and Otwell in Oxfordshire. Over time, many Atwells migrated to other lands, particularly the United States, Canada, and Australia, seeking better opportunities.
Presently, the surname Atwell is common in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, it ranks as the 3528th most common surname in America. In England, where it originated, it remains relatively frequent. Nonetheless, people named Atwell live in many different countries across the globe today.
Variations of the surname Atwell
The surname Atwell is of English origin and is known to have several variants and different spellings. Some of the most common include Attwell, Atwel, Attwel, and Attewell. The name is derived from pre 7th century Old English "aet waellan", meaning at the well, hence it was usually given to people living near such a location. In the Middle Ages, surnames often described where a person lived or their profession, so it's possible that Atwell could also refer to a person who worked at a well.
The surname Atwell also appears in medieval records in a Latinized form as "Adfontem", indicative of its origin. Variations in the spelling of the surname throughout history may have been due to a number of factors including the individual way it was originally interpreted by scribes, changes in pronunciation, or even regional accents.
As for surnames of the same origin, it could be associated with other names that describe locations or landmarks, such as Atwood, Atridge or Atwater, which also originate from the Old English preposition 'at', but are linked to different geographical features.
While it's relatively easy to trace the origins and variant spellings of the surname Atwell, determining surnames of the "same origin" can sometimes be subjective and complex.
Famous people with the name Atwell
- Hayley Atwell: She is a well-known British-American actress who rose to prominence for her role as Peggy Carter in Marvel's Cinematic Universe including films and TV series such as "Captain America: The First Avenger" and "Agent Carter".
- Roscoe Atwell: An Australian cricket player who played as a left-handed batsman for New South Wales in the 1920s.
- Jane Atwell: She is a British actress best known for her roles in TV series "The Bill" and "Doctors".
- Cecil Atwell: A former cricket player from Western Australia.
- Allison Atwell: An American ice hockey player who competed in the 1992 Winter Olympics.
- Holly Atwell: An actress known for her work in independent films in the United States.
- Frederick Atwell: Known as Russ Henderson, he was a Trinidadian musician and band leader who was integral to the popularisation of steelpan music in the United Kingdom. His last name was originally Atwell.
- Samuel Atwell: He is a director and writer, known for "Camp" (2013), "The Girlfriend Game" (2015) and "Sweat" (2015). Most notably, Hayley Atwell is easily the most recognized person with Atwell as her surname, due to her roles in popular Marvel movies and TV shows.