Surname Arundell - Meaning and Origin

Arundell: What does the surname Arundell mean?

The surname Arundell originates from a geographical location in Cornwall, England known as "Arundell". The name itself is thought to derive from the Old English words “earn”, meaning "eagle", and “dell”, meaning "valley", thus suggesting the surname could indicate someone from the "valley of the eagle". It has a long history, being carried by a notable ancient Cornish family that was recorded in the Domesday Book in 1086. Members of the Arundell family have held many prestigious titles throughout history, including Baron Arundell of Wardour in Wiltshire, signifying its aristocratic lineage. Thus, the Arundell surname has deep roots in both geography and nobility.

Arundell: Where does the name Arundell come from?

The surname Arundell originated from the place-name Arundel, located in Sussex, England. It can be traced back to the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. It was given to a family that lived in the market town of Arundel, which derived its name from the castle around which the town grew. The castle was named for an ancient district known as Arun, plus the Old English word "dell" meaning "valley." Therefore, the surname literally means "from the valley of the river Arun."

The Anglo-Norman Arundell family held a significant status since early history and thus played a major role in shaping British politics. The Arundell family of Cornwall, known traditionally as "Lords of the Manor of Lanherne," have used this surname for over 800 years, starting from the Norman Conquest.

Today, Arundell is sporadically found in England, particularly in regions with a strong historical Anglo-Saxon presence. It is less common elsewhere, but you might also come across it in countries with significant British emigration history, such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States. However, it remains a relatively rare surname worldwide.

Variations of the surname Arundell

The surname Arundell is of English origin and believed to have originated from a geographical location, specifically a place in Cornwall, England. Arundell, derived from Old English elements "ar" (army) and 'dell' (hill), signified someone who lived by the ar-hill or hill of the army.

Over time and across regions, the surname developed various spelling variations due to reasons such as dialect, changes in language, illiteracy or misinterpretation. Some of the common spelling variants include Arundale, Arundell, Arindel, Arindell, Arandale, Arandel, Arondel, Arondell, Arrendel, Arrendale, Arrendell, Arandell, and Arnedell.

Moreover, Arundel is one of the most commonly used versions of the name. The Arundel surname itself is associated with a distinguished family line, the Earls of Arundel, known for their influence and power during England's medieval period.

Some of these variants may also exist as separate surnames with different origins. Although primarily of English origin, the name may have also been adopted by people from other cultures due to anglicization or for other reasons, leading to its spread in different parts of the world. People with these surnames or its variants can be found in countries like the United States, Australia, and Canada, besides England.

Famous people with the name Arundell

• Sir Thomas Arundell of Wardour Castle: He was a prominent figure in English history, serving as a military officer, diplomat, and advisor to Henry VIII.
• Sir John Arundell: He was a notable soldier, ship-owner, and administrator during the reigns of Richard II, Henry IV, and Henry V.
• Matthew Arundell: He was an English courtier and landowner in the 16th century.
• Mary Arundell of Wardour: She was a British noblewoman in the 17th century.
• Frances Arundell, Duchess of Norfolk: She was a British noblewoman and philanthropist in the 19th century.
• Sir Richard Arundell, 1st Baron Arundell of Trerice: He served as a Member of Parliament and Sheriff of Cornwall in the 17th century.
• Thomas Arundell, 1st Baron Arundell of Wardour: He was a distinguished military leader in the 16th century.
• John Arundell, 5th Baron Arundell of Trerice: He was a British politician and military officer in the 18th century.
• Humphrey Arundell: He was the leader of the Cornish Rebellion of 1549.
• Sir Edward Arundell: He served as a Member of Parliament in the 16th and 17th centuries. These individuals have each left their mark on English history in unique ways--from politics to military to philanthropy--and have managed to make the Arundell name quite famous in their homeland.

Other surnames

Arundel