Surname Bissell - Meaning and Origin

Bissell: What does the surname Bissell mean?

Bissell is an English surname of mainly occupational origin, with roots from the Old French term "bis" meaning "twice" or "double" and the Old English term "hyll" meaning “hill”. Thus, the surname could have been initially used to refer to someone who lived by a hill with a double summit or twin hills. In the Middle Ages, surnames were often derived from the individual's occupation or place of residence to distinguish them from others. Therefore, this denotes that the original bearers of the Bissell name presumably lived near a geographical feature such as “the twin hills”, possibly in the region of Worcestershire where the name was first recorded. It is also plausible, considering the occupational origins of medieval surnames, that the name Bissell might have been used in the sense of one who made a particular kind of tool or instrument. In this case, a “bissell” was a unique type of brush. Over time, this surname has various spelling forms including Bishell, Bissell, Bisshel, Bissill, among others. As with many surnames, its exact origins and meanings can vary and are often subject to historic and regional interpretations.

Bissell: Where does the name Bissell come from?

The surname Bissell originated from England, specifically in Staffordshire in the Midlands. Its roots can be traced to the medieval period, deriving from the Old English byht and hyll, meaning "bend in the hill". It may have been a locational name for families living near such a geographical feature. Over time, many individuals with this surname migrated to other parts of the world. As of today, individuals bearing the surname Bissell can be found in various countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, England, and New Zealand. However, its highest concentration is noted in the United States. The Bissell name has become associated with a prominent American manufacturer of vacuum cleaners and floor care products, founded by Melville Bissell in 1876.

Variations of the surname Bissell

The surname Bissell has several variations, spellings and similar surnames of the same origin. It's derived from the Old English name "Byssel," meaning "a maker of purses."

Variations of Bissell can include Bisselle, Bissel, Byssell, Bysell, Bissill, Bysill, Bissil and Byssel. Over the years, many of these spellings have been used interchangeably, due to the inconsistency in spelling rules in the Middle Ages.

Alternate spellings might also include those influenced by regional dialects or phonetic spelling, such as Bysel, Byselle, Bysle, Bisley, Bislee, Bysley, Byseley, and Biseley, among others.

In terms of similar surnames, Bissett and Bistle might be considered. Both have similar phonetic sounds and some researchers believe they could have the same or similar etymological origins. However, it's quite important to note that surname variants can change significantly over time and distance, and therefore, absolute certainty on their being of the exact same origin might be hard to ascertain.

In the United States, Bissell and its variants are most common in New England, a major point of entry for immigrant English families during the colonial period.

Famous people with the name Bissell

• Emily Bissell: An American social worker and activist famous for introducing Christmas Seals in the United States.
• Austin Bissell: A former Major League Baseball player who played for the Cleveland Blues and the Buffalo Bisons.
• George Henry Bissell: Known as the father of the American oil industry; his development of the Pennsylvania Rock Oil Company marks the beginning of the oil industry.
• Jacob Bissell: An American military leader during the Revolutionary War.
• Richard Pike Bissell: An American author best known for his novels "7 ½ Cents" and "Say, Darling," which were made into successful Broadway musicals.
• Teddy Bissell: An English actor, famous for appearances in numerous films and television series.
• Tom Bissell: An American journalist, critic, and fiction writer.
• Anna Bissell: The first female CEO in the United States, she led the Bissell carpet sweeping company after her husband's death.
• Eric Bissell: An English footballer who played as a forward in the 1950s and 1960s.
• Wilson Southworth Bissell: An American politician and attorney who served as Postmaster General under President Cleveland.

Other surnames

BissedBisselleBissetBissethBissettBissette