Surname Burrell - Meaning and Origin

A Riveting Journey into the Roots of My Surname, Burrell: An iGENEA DNA Analysis Experience

Thanks to a simple DNA test conducted by iGENEA, I embarked on a riveting journey back in history, uncovering the fascinating origins and richly woven legacy of my surname Burrell. From its roots in medieval England to its wider dispersion across the globe, the discoveries have been enlightening.

B. Burrell

Burrell: What does the surname Burrell mean?

The surname Burrell is of French origin, derived from the old French word “burel,” which means woolen cloth. It was first used during the Middle Ages as a nickname for someone who frequently wore clothing made from this material. It basically referred to a person dressed in brown or someone who was a dealer of woolen cloth. After the Norman Conquest of 1066, the name was introduced to England and later evolved as a surname. It's more commonly found in Northern England, particularly in the county of Northumberland. Over time, there have come to be different variations of the name, including Burrill, Burrel, Berrill, Birrell, and others. The Burrell surname also has a family crest and coat of arms associated with its noble history. However, it's important to note that the specific meaning and origin of the surname can vary based on different cultural and regional contexts.

Burrell: Where does the name Burrell come from?

The surname Burrell is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English pre-7th Century "burhweall", meaning fortress or castle wall. The term was used to refer to someone living by a fort or the wall of a castle. The surname was first recorded in the late 11th Century in England. Variations of this last name include Borel, Borell, Burrel, Burrill, and Burril, among others.

The Burrell surname is predominantly found in English-speaking countries. Today, it is especially common in the United States, England, Canada, and Australia. In England, the name is particularly prevalent in the northern regions such as Northumberland and Yorkshire. During the Great Migration in the 17th Century, many bearers of this name emigrated from Britain to the North American colonies, further establishing its presence in the United States and Canada. It is also widely seen in the African American community in the United States, famously carried by figures such as the comedian and actor Paul Burrell. Despite its English origins, the Burrell surname has disseminated globally through migration and settlement.

Variations of the surname Burrell

The surname Burrell has various spellings, variants, and surnames of the same origin. These alternative spellings may include Burrill, Burill, Burril, Borrell, Borrel, Borill, Burral, Burral, Burrowell, Burriel, and Burrall. These variations can be attributed to numerous factors such as regional accents, local dialects, and even individual preferences.

The name Burrell is also linked to surnames from other countries. For instance, the Spanish version of Burrell is Borrell. In France, the name is spelled as Borrel. Also in Catalonia, a region in Spain, Borrell is a frequent surname.

One of the most common ways surnames changed over time was through Anglicization, which often occurred when families migrated to English-speaking regions. Therefore, variations of the name Burrell would also include Anglicized versions of names from other countries. Another factor influencing surname variations are the census takers and other officials who often spelled the name as it sounded to them leading to different variations of the same name in official records.

In some instances, Burrell may also be linked to the patronymic surname Burr, which suggests the name could mean "son of Burr." Furthermore, its roots can be traced back to the old English word 'burrel', meaning 'a reddish-brown fabric; a person wearing such clothing'. So it can also be an occupational surname.

Famous people with the name Burrell

• Ty Burrell: An American actor and comedian, best known for his role in the TV show "Modern Family".
• Kenny Burrell: A prominent American jazz guitarist.
• Kim Burrell: A renowned Gospel singer and pastor from the United States.
• Leah Burrell: An American coaching advisor known for her work in the field of athletics.
• Lester Burrell: Also known as Shabba Ranks, is a famous Jamaican dancehall musician.
• Stanley Burrell: Better known by his stage name MC Hammer, is an American rapper, dancer, record producer, and entrepreneur.
• Scott Burrell: A retired professional basketball player from the United States.
• Todd Burrell: An American television producer.
• Heather Burrell: A notable British director and designer.
• Pamela Burrell: An established American actress.
• Courtney Burrell: An American actor known for his work in "Boo 2! A Madea Halloween". Please note that the name could be a pseudonym, stage, or professional name and not necessarily the said person's actual surname.

Other surnames

BurresBurress