Surname Bonell - Meaning and Origin
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Bonell: What does the surname Bonell mean?
The surname Bonell is of French origin, derived from the old French words "bon" meaning "good" and "el" meaning "little," thus loosely translating to "good little one." It was often given as a nickname to a kind and obliging person. Like many surnames, it likely started as a personal name and gradually became a family name. It's also possible that it originally denoted someone from a place called Bonell. Over time, various spelling variations of the surname have developed, including Bonnel, Bonnell, Bonnelle, and Bonelli. Despite its French origins, the surname is now found in several countries across the world due to migration and intermarriages. Today, individuals with the last name Bonell can be found in regions such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Australia, among others.
Order DNA origin analysisBonell: Where does the name Bonell come from?
The surname Bonell has origins in Europe, particularly in Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain. The name is derived from "Bonel", itself a derivative of the Medieval Catalan personal name "Bonfill", which means "good son". Over time, "Bonel" evolved into "Bonell".
Although it originates from Catalonia, the surname has spread to different parts of the world due to migration patterns, especially during the Colonial period. Today, the surname Bonell is found throughout Spain, as well as in other Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America. However, it also exists in Italy, France, and other countries in Europe. Furthermore, due to immigration, it can be found in the United States, Canada, and Australia, though it is less common in these regions. Generally, it's not an extremely widespread surname, but it is more frequent in areas with Spanish or Catalan heritage.
Family names can provide intriguing insights into a family's history and origins, however, it should be noted that surnames can evolve and branch out over time, and the meaning or origin might change or diversify.
Variations of the surname Bonell
The surname Bonell is derived from the personal name Bonnell, a diminutive form of Bon, meaning 'good' in old French. Variations and similar surnames to Bonell might include Bonnell, Bonnelle, Bonnells, Bonel, Bonnellie, Boneli, and Bonello.
Influences of geographical location, dialect, and local naming customs led to various spellings of the surname over time. For instance, the surname can be found as Bonel in England, Bonelli in Italy, Bonnelle in France, and Bonnell in Scotland.
Other variants could be formed by adding or subtracting prefixes or suffixes. Examples might include De Bonell, Bonellis, Bonellus, or Bonellon.
These names could have emerged as people moved around Europe in the Middle Ages and adapted their surname to suit new languages and dialects. Despite the different spellings, all these surnames likely share the same origin, tracing back to the personal name Bonnell.
Surnames were often given based on a person’s occupation, physical characteristics, or location. The surname Bonell and its variants could also indicate a bearer who was good-natured or who came from a family known for their goodness.
Famous people with the name Bonell
- Tony Bonell: An Australian former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1970s and 1980s.
- Josep Maria Bonell i Gutiérrez: A well-known Spanish painter and lithographer.
- Uri Bonell: A well-respected architecture professional based in San Francisco, specializing in design, planning, and management projects.
- Janine Bonell: A German judoka, who competed in the women's extra-lightweight events in the 1980s.
- Joan Maria Bonell: A Catalan composer and conductor.
- Jorge Bonell: An internationally renowned classical guitarist. This appears to be a relatively rare surname, and there aren't many well-known or famous people with the last name Bonell. However, those who share it and have achieved a degree of recognition come from diverse fields, including sports, visual arts, architecture, and music.