Surname Bunnell - Meaning and Origin

Tracing Ancestral Lineages Through DNA: A Journey into the Bunnell Heritage

Discovering unexpected ancestral lineages and genetic connections through iGENEA's DNA testing, I uncovered a more intricate story behind the Bunnell name, reshaping my understanding of self and illuminating the complex weave of our genetic tapestry.

W. Bunnell

Bunnell: What does the surname Bunnell mean?

The surname Bunnell is of Anglo-Saxon origin, and is derived from a place named "Bonneville" in France. The name is thought to be a topographic name for someone who lived near a good farm or a pleasant hill, from the Old French “bon(e)” meaning “good” and “val” meaning “valley”. It may also have derived from the Old French personal name "Bonel", which is composed of the elements "bon" meaning "good" and "el" meaning "god". The surname Bunnell emerged as a notable English family name in the county of Shropshire where they were recorded as a family of great antiquity seated in that shire with manor and estates in that region. These two interpretations indicate that the name has a sense of prosperity and divine blessing. However, as with many ancient surnames, the exact origins can be uncertain. There may have been variations across different regions and times, adding to the complexity of the name's history.

Bunnell: Where does the name Bunnell come from?

The surname Bunnell originated from England and has Anglo-Saxon roots. It is believed to be a locational surname, relating to the Old English words "bune", meaning reed, and "hyll", meaning hill, possibly referring to individuals who lived in or near such a location. Over the centuries, like many surnames, its spelling has been altered, with versions such as "Bonhill" and "Bonell" appearing in historical records.

The earliest known records of this surname date back to the 12th century in England. People bearing the Bunnell name were primarily located in Cheshire and other parts of Northwestern England during the medieval period.

Today, the surname Bunnell is most commonly found in the United States, followed by England. According to Forebears, a surname distribution database, it is the 5,832nd most common surname globally, with the highest number of people with Bunnell as their last name living in the United States. Significant numbers of Bunnells can also be found in certain counties of England, particularly in areas where this name first originated.

Variations of the surname Bunnell

The surname Bunnell potentially has a few spelling variants, although exact matches can not be guaranteed because the evolution of surnames over centuries often involves significant changes and adaptations. Probable variants or alternate spellings might include: Bunnel, Bonnell, Bunel, Bonell, Bunnelle, or Bunell.

It's also plausible that this surname could be connected to others of similar etymology or origin. For instance, Bunwell, Bunnill, Bonwill or even Bonelli, if it stems from the Old French personal name "Bonnel" (meaning good and noble).

These are just assessments based on common changes in letters and sounds in surnames, without verified genealogical evidence. It's noteworthy to remember that the evolution of a surname can be influenced by various factors, including regional dialects, literacy rates, and even personal preference, leading to significant divergence over time. Conducting a detailed genealogical search or DNA test could provide a more accurate understanding of the origins and variants of the surname Bunnell.

Famous people with the name Bunnell

• Dewey Bunnell: He is a famous British-American musician and songwriter known for being one of the founding members of the classic rock band, "America". Some of his famous songs include, 'A Horse with No Name' and 'Ventura Highway'.
• Perry Bunnell: He was a known diseases specialist and medical director. He made valuable contributions to the medical field, especially in the field of infectious diseases.
• Chris Bunnell: Chris is a recognized American television producer and writer. He has worked on numerous popular TV series such as 'Station 19', 'The Returned' and 'Private Practice'.
• Robert G. Bunnell: He was an American photographer, who was credited for documenting much of the early history of Utah and Idaho in the late 19th century.
• John D. Bunnell: He is a former sheriff in Multnomah County, Oregon and a TV personality known for his appearances in the reality show, 'World's Wildest Police Videos'.
• Jacqueline Bunnell: She is a notable American beauty queen who held the title of 'Miss Louisiana' in 2007. Please, note that most of these people have their own sphere of influence and are only well known within those particular areas.

Other surnames

BünneckeBunnel