Surname Barfell - Meaning and Origin
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Barfell: What does the surname Barfell mean?
The last name Barfell is of English origin. It is a combination of two words: 'bar' and 'fell', with the two words combining to form the meaning of 'hill of a moor'. It is likely that the name originated as a geographic name for those who lived near a hill on the moor.
The wild, barren landscape of these moorlands that is found in Britain would have predominated for centuries, and it is known that the people of Britain have a long history with the land that they inhabit. The name, then, speaks to the area in which those with the surname may have called home.
The surname is rare, and it is believed to have originated in the midlands and northern parts of England, in places such as Lancashire and Yorkshire, and even as far north as Dumfries and Galloway. It is most likely that the name, and its derivatives, would have sprung from an area where it was used to refer to the local landscape.
The name, Barfell, is associated not only with a place, but with the spirit of that place. It speaks to the wildness and harshness of life in the remote moorland and to the independence and spirit of those who call it home. The name therefore encapsulates the idea of a people that live far from the hustle and bustle of the city and yet are deeply connected to the land. This is the classic image of the rural dweller of England, a picture that will never be forgotten and will continue to connect those of the surname Barfell with their shared history.
Order DNA origin analysisBarfell: Where does the name Barfell come from?
The surname Barfell is a toponymic or territorial surname, derived from the old Middle English 'bar,' meaning a grove or enclosed area, and 'fell,' meaning a slope or hill. The Barfell surname is most commonly found today in parts of England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Australia.
In England, the Barfell surname appears in the counties of Kent and Dorset, all of which are located in Southern England, and more specifically south-east of the city of London. The Isle of Man, an island between England and Ireland in the Irish Sea, also has numerous records of people bearing the Barfell name. In Ireland, records of the Barfell surname have been located primarily in counties such as Galway and Dublin. The Barfell surname is also present in Wales, primarily in the counties of Flintshire and Glamorgan.
In Scotland, records for the Barfell surname are scattered throughout the country, with notable concentrations in Lanarkshire and the Highland region. As of 2021, records in Australia for the family name Barfell have been primarily in the states of Victoria and New South Wales, with additional mentions in South Australia and Queensland.
Overall, the Barfell family name is most commonly found in the British Isles, with sparse distribution in other parts of the world.
Variations of the surname Barfell
The Barfell surname is of Old Scandinavian origin, and is derived from the Old Norse personal name Barði, which in turn derives from the Old Norse bǽrðr, meaning 'bear'. It is likely that the name was bestowed on a person of great courage or strength. Variants of the Barfell surname include Berfell, Barfele, Berfel, Berfelle, Barfield, Barfielde and Berfele.
The spelling of the surname has evolved over time, and can be found in records from the 16th century onwards. Early variations include Barfild, Barfilds and Berfil, Berfell, whereas later versions include Barfill and Barfeil. In effort to make it easier to spell the name, some families began adding extra consonants, such as Barfele and Berfelle.
The surname can be found in various countries around the world, including England, Scotland, Germany, France, Switzerland and the Netherlands, as well as in Sweden, where it is written as Barfalk.
In the United States, the Barfell surname is relatively rare. It can also be found relationship to the Barfels surname too, although it is unlikely they are related in any way, apart from being derived from the same root word.
In conclusion, the Barfell surname is of Old Scandinavian origin, and there are multiple versions of the spelling and variants, as well as surname that are derived from the same root word.
Famous people with the name Barfell
- Jacob Barfell: Australian National Rugby League player for the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
- Barry Barfell: Canadian ice hockey player who played professionally in both the NHL and WHA.
- Kevin Barfell: British timeright and musician, best known for his work with bands such as Hawkwind and The Mission.
- Wayne Barfell: British mixed martial artist and judoka.
- Peter Barfell: English composer and musician who has released several solo albums and composed for film and television.
- Sam Barfell: Australian cricketer who represented his country in international competitions.
- Ken Barfell: Canadian interior designer and television personality, host of HGTV's "Room Service".
- David Barfell: MP and Leader of the Opposition in the South Australian Legislative Council.
- Dick Barfell: American professional golfer who played in the PGA Tour and competed on the Senior PGA Tour.
- Mick Barfell: British film and television actor, best known for his roles in critically acclaimed dramas such as BBC's "The Office" and Channel 4's "The Wrong Mans".