Surname Jewell - Meaning and Origin

Jewell: What does the surname Jewell mean?

The surname Jewell is of English origin and is derived from the Old French given name "Jewell", which means 'joy' or 'plaything'. It represents someone who is precious or valued, similar to a gem or jewel. In French, it is spelled as "Jouel". It was popular as a personal name during the Middle Ages, largely due to Saint Jewell, a seventh-century Cornish Bishop who went to Brittany. Some variations of the name include Jewel, Jewels, Jule or Jules. During the Middle Ages, it was also used as a term of endearment or dearness. The surname was first found in Cornwall, a region in Southwestern England where they held a family seat from early times. Therefore, the surname implies characteristics of joy, happiness, and preciousness and has Celtic and Anglo-Saxon origins. It’s important to note that the meanings of surnames are often generic, based on occupation, location, or personal characteristics, and don’t define any one person’s qualities or values.

Jewell: Where does the name Jewell come from?

The surname Jewell is of English origin, deriving from the Old French personal name "Jouel", meaning "jewel". It was initially used as a nickname for someone of precious or admirable qualities. Another theory suggests it may have been used for a person who frequently wore jewelry or was a jeweler by trade.

The Jewell name first appeared in Cornwall, England during early medieval times. Therefore, it has a strong presence in regions historically linked to England due to colonization and migration including North America (especially the United States) and Australasia. Its prevalence is still highest in the United Kingdom, specifically in areas of Cornwall and Devon, where this surname can frequently be found in public records dating back to the 13th century. However, like many surnames, Jewell can be found scattered across many regions of the world today due to global travels and emigration patterns over centuries.

Variations of the surname Jewell

The surname Jewell has various spellings and variants originating from diverse cultures. Variations of the last name can include Jewell, Jowell, Joel, and Joule. The names associated with Jewell are often related to the profession of a jeweler in medieval times. Other possibly associated names can have different origins, for instance, in Jewish tradition, the names Joel or Joell are commonly found. The surname Juel or Juell is another variant, particularly common in Scandinavian countries.

In French, the spelling can appear as Jouel or Joule. In Spain, it may come out as Joya or Jolla. Also, Jewel and Jewelle are other common spellings in English-speaking countries. Similarly, surnames like Jowle, Jowell or Jewelle have the same phonetic pronunciation and may share the same roots.

It's also important to note that some compounds may exist, such as Jewel-Smith or Jewel-Taylor, combining the surname with an additional one, often signifying the profession or location related to the family in the past.

Given the varied spellings, it's crucial to understand the etymology or study the genealogy to establish the name's precise origin.

Famous people with the name Jewell

• Richard Jewell: Former security guard best known for being wrongly accused in the 1996 Centennial Olympic Park bombing case.
• Billy Jewell: American professional soccer player.
• Richard Jewel (also known as Red Jewell): American race car driver who raced in the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the United States Auto Club (USAC).
• Spencer Jewell: Major League Baseball player and World Series champion
• John Jewell: Award-winning British TV executive, and pioneer of reality television.
• Hilda Jewell: British actress, best known for her leading role in Carry On Constable (1960).
• Bob Jewell: left-handed pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1951-1958.
• Harry Jewell: American film actor of the Silent Movie Era, appearing in over 200 films between 1909 and 1936.
• Billy Jewell Jr.: American actor, best known for his role in The Andy Griffith Show (1960-1968).
• Jeff Jewell: American reality television personality, known for his appearances on the MTV show The Real World: Boston (1997).

Other surnames

JewelJewelyun