Surname Bell - Meaning and Origin
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Personal Revelation: How an iGENEA DNA Test Reshaped my Understanding of Being a 'Bell'
Receiving my iGENEA DNA test results completely reshaped my perception of my surname, Bell, and my family's identity. Contrary to our family's longstanding belief in our English roots, the test revealed a significant Germanic tribal ancestry. This discovery has not only expanded the scope of our heritage but also added rich layers of history and culture to our family narrative.
E. Bell
read moreBell: What does the surname Bell mean?
The surname Bell has several possible origins. It can be derived from the Middle English "bell", which is used as a metonymic occupational name for a bell ringer or bell maker, or a topographic name for someone who lived by the bell tower of a church. It might also be a house name derived from a sign or inn sign, which often used the image of a bell. In some cases, it could have developed as a nickname for an individual with a lovely or loud voice. Bell can also be rooted in the medieval personal name "Bel". In other instances, especially concerning those of Scottish or Irish origin, Bell can be an Anglicized form of the Gaelic "Mac Giolla Mhaoil", meaning "son of the servant of the devotee". This points to an ancestor who was a devotee of a saint or a religious follower. Therefore, the true meaning of the surname Bell may vary based on individual family history and regional lineage.
Order DNA origin analysisBell: Where does the name Bell come from?
The surname Bell has several origins. It is chiefly traced back to Scotland and Northern England, where it was used as an occupational surname attributed to bell makers or bell ringers. Sometimes, it served as a habitational name for settlements named with "bell". Bell might also be of Norman origin; imported after the 1066 invasion by those who came from a town named "Bel" in France.
Furthermore, some Irish Bells were of Gaelic derivation from the name MacGiolla Mhaoil, meaning "son of the servant of the devotee". The translated version, "MacGillBell" eventually shortened to Bell over time.
In Scotland, the surname Bell was historically prominent in Dumfriesshire and the Scottish Borders. After the 16th century, many Scottish Bells migrated to Ulster, Northern Ireland.
Today, the surname is fundamentally widespread in English-speaking countries, ranging from the United States to Australia. A significant concentration remains in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Northern England. Data from "Forebears" demonstrate that the last name Bell is most common in the United States, followed by England then Australia reflecting the historical Anglo-Saxon migration patterns.
Variations of the surname Bell
The surname Bell has several variants and related names primarily originating from Scotland, Ireland, England, and France. Traditional variant spellings include Belle, Beall, Beale, and Beil. Sometimes, it may also be spelled as Belli or Bells.
The surname Bell may appear in combination with other words, as in Bellwood, Bellman, Bellingham, Bellinger, and Bellamy. As a Scottish name, it's known to derive from the Gaelic "Mac Giolla Mhaoil," resulting in surnames like MacGillivray, MacIlveen, McIlwaine, and the Northern Irish Molyneaux. In France, the cognate "Bel" is often used, and surnames like Belleau, Bellot, and Bellin are encountered.
Similar, patronymic surnames, where "Bell's son" becomes Bellson, Belson or even Belden exist. In some cases, Bell might also be a shortened version of longer surnames like Bellinder or Bellinger. Don't forget the potential for the surname to be translated into other languages, such as Glock in German.
Some surnames might also derive from the same original meaning, like those based on the occupation of a 'bell ringer' or 'bell maker'. These could include the English surnames Ringer, Bellman, Bellmaker, or the German surnames Glockner and Schellenmacher.
Remember, surnames evolved over time and were affected by local dialect, literacy levels, and regional spellings. So, variations can be diverse.
Famous people with the name Bell
- Alexander Graham Bell: Inventor of the telephone.
- Kristen Bell: American actress known for her roles in "Veronica Mars", "The Good Place", and voice of Anna in Disney's "Frozen".
- Lake Bell: American actress, director, and screenwriter known for her roles in "Boston Legal" and "In a World".
- Jamie Bell: English actor known for "Billy Elliot", "Fantastic Four", and "Rocketman".
- Art Bell: American broadcaster and author, known for creating and hosting the paranormal-themed radio program "Coast to Coast AM".
- Drake Bell: American actor, voice actor, singer, songwriter, and musician, recognized for his role in "Drake & Josh".
- Catherine Bell: British-American actress and producer known for her roles in "JAG" and "The Good Witch".
- Andy Bell: British musician and lead singer of the band Erasure.
- Michael Anthony Bell: Known as Mad Mike Bell, a professional wrestler.
- Tobin Bell: American actor best known for his portrayal of John Kramer / Jigsaw in the "Saw" film series.
- Laura Bell Bundy: American actress and singer known for her roles in Broadway musicals.
- Joshua Bell: Internationally renowned American violinist.
- C. Anthony Bell: Known as Tony Bell, a state District Court judge in Louisiana.
- Bell Hooks: A pseudonym of Gloria Jean Watkins, an American author, feminist, and social activist.
- Le'Veon Bell: American professional football player, a running back for the Kansas City Chiefs of the NFL.