Surname Burnell - Meaning and Origin

Burnell: What does the surname Burnell mean?

The surname Burnell is of English origin, stemming from the Old French word "brunel", a diminutive of "brun" which means brown or dark brown. The term was often used as a nickname for someone with brown hair or a dark complexion. In some cases, the name may have been occupational, referring to people who made or sold a type of coarse, brown-colored cloth. Over time, the term evolved into a last name, setting the foundation for the Burnell family lineage. It's important to note that during the Middle Ages, surnames were often based on an individual's visual attributes, occupation, location, or even a notable event. Thus, the Burnell name has strong ancestral ties to individuals associated with the brown color, either due to their physical appearance or profession.

Burnell: Where does the name Burnell come from?

The surname Burnell originates from England. It is believed to have derived from the Old French term "brunel," a diminutive of "brun" which means brown, often referred to as a nickname for someone with brown hair or clothes.

The Burnell family history goes back to the times of the Anglo-Saxon tribes, where it first emerged in Shropshire. They went on to substantially contribute to the culture and politics of this region. Notable among them was Saint Robert Burnell (c. 1239–1292), who was a bishop and Lord Chancellor of England during the era of King Edward I.

While the surname has branched out across various regions, it's most commonly found in England today, especially in regions like Devon and Shropshire. There are also quite a few Burnells in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States, mostly due to emigration from England during the colonial and post-colonial eras. It is not considered a very common surname worldwide, but its usage is significant within these countries.

Variations of the surname Burnell

The surname Burnell is of Anglo-Saxon origin and it has several variants and alternate spellings. These variations often occurred due to medieval scribes and church officials recording people's names as they sounded, leading to inconsistencies. It can be seen in different forms such as Burnell, Burnhill, Burnel, Burnil, Burnill, and Burnnill. Furthermore, the spelling Burghnall is also related.

When it comes to similar surnames, Brunelle is a French counterpart that shares the same origin. The similar spellings in Italian include Brunelli or Brunella.

The surname Burnell originates from the personal name Burnellus, a diminutive form of the Old French "Brun" which means brown. The '-ell' suffix is a demonstration of affection or familiarity. Over centuries, the surname has certainly spread and established its roots in different parts of the world, leading to diverse variations.

Famous people with the name Burnell

• Jocelyn Bell Burnell: An acclaimed astrophysicist who discovered the first four pulsars while she was a postgraduate student. She has received numerous awards for her contributions to science.
• Henry Burnell: A notable Irish dramatist and statesman during the 17th century. He was active in the politics of Ireland and England.
• Charles Burnell: An Olympic rower from New Zealand who participated in the 1972 Munich Olympic Games.
• Richard Burnell: An Olympic rower from Great Britain. He won a gold medal at the 1948 London Olympic Games in the double sculls event with his partner, Bertie Bushnell.
• Rebekah Burnell: A professional makeup artist based in Somerset, England, known for her work with high-profile clients in the world of fashion and beauty.
• Nick Burnell: An American actor, known for "Click" (2006), "Popcorn" (2007), and "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" (2005).
• Martin Burnell: A New Zealand rower who competed at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games.
• Tony Burnell: A British cyclist who has competed in major road racing events across Europe.

Other surnames

BurneBurnelBurneleitBurnelsBurnerBurnesBurnessBurnetBurneteBurnettBurnetteBurney