Surname Bunnell - Meaning and Origin

Piecing Together the Bunnell Lineage: A DNA Report from iGENEA Test

Recently, I undertook an iGENEA DNA test which threw light on the historical journey and origins of the Bunnell surname. The results exceeded my expectations, revealing compelling evidence regarding the deep roots in Western Europe, ties to Ancient tribes, and a peculiar association with a rare genetic disorder.

A. Bunnell

Bunnell: What does the surname Bunnell mean?

The surname Bunnell is of Anglo-Saxon origins. It is derived from the Old English words "bune", meaning "reed", and "hyll", meaning "hill". Thus, it could be interpreted as "hill covered with reeds". It is believed to be a locational name, originally used for a person who lived on or near such a hill. Like many surnames of this kind, it might have been used to distinctly identify individuals who migrated from their birthplace. Variations of the surname include Bunell, Bunhill, Bonell, and others. It became more widespread after the Norman Conquest in 1066. Today, it can be found in various parts of the world, although it remains most common in England. It's important to note that surnames had multiple origins and meanings, so interpretation can vary.

Bunnell: Where does the name Bunnell come from?

The surname Bunnell is of Anglo-Saxon origin derived from Old English personal names such as "Bunheal(d)" or "Bunhyll." These names possibly connote ‘friend or warrior from the reed.’ Bunnell first appeared in the Lancashire county in Northern England. It was established there in medieval times well before the Norman Conquest.

In the modern day, data from Forebears and other ancestry websites shows that the surname Bunnell is most common in the United States. It ranks as the 3,815th most common surname in the country. The name is also found, although less frequently, in England and Canada. Besides these countries, the surname Bunnell has its presence in Wales, Scotland, and a few other places around the world, but in considerably smaller numbers.

Variations of the surname Bunnell

The surname Bunnell has various variants and alternative spellings due to dialectal differences, phonetic spellings, and transcription errors over years of record-keeping. These variants include Bonnell, Bunnel, Bunel, Bunelle, Bunel, and Bonell. Other phonetic spellings that have been recorded over time include Bunell, Bunnill, Bunnelle, Bunnall, and Bonell.

This surname appears to have a French origin, derived from the Old French term "bon" meaning good, and "Elle", a diminutive suffix. It was likely used as a nickname or term of endearment that eventually evolved into a surname.

The surname Bunnell may share its origin with other surnames that evolved from the same root words such as Bonnel, Bonelli, Bonello, and Bonnell.

It's also worth noting that migration and immigration over the centuries could have resulted in further variations of this surname. People often changed the spelling of their names to make them sound more local or to blend into their new communities. Therefore, similar sounding surnames could potentially be related to Bunnell. However, genealogical research would be required to firmly establish such connections.

Famous people with the name Bunnell

• David Bunnell: Co-founder of PC Magazine, co-host of the podcast "Before You Were Funny.
• Stan Bunnell: American opera singer and pedagogue.
• Lee Bunnell: Executive Vice President at Amerilife.
• Les Bunnell: Retired American figure skater.
• Greg Bunnell: American former soccer midfielder.
• David Bunnell: Creative director behind the branding of Macworld and Macworld Expo.
• Clark Bunnell: American politician and former state legislator.
• Joe Bunnell: American former professional baseball pitcher. 9.[_ Ray Bunnell_](https://www.heavenaddress.com/Ray-Bunnell/2167390): Founder of Bunnell & Associates, a consulting firm that specializes in environmental regulation and planning.
• John Bunnell: Retired American law enforcement officer, author, and television host.

Other surnames

BünneckeBunnel