Surname Cannell - Meaning and Origin

Cannell: What does the surname Cannell mean?

The surname Cannell is of English origin and has multiple potential meanings. It is believed to have originated from an Old Northern French word “canelle,” which translates to “little can” or “small cup” in English. Hence, it possibly refers to a maker of small vessels or containers, indicating an ancestor had this occupation. Alternatively, it may derive from a nickname for someone with similar characteristics to a small animal - fast and agile. Another interpretation could be from the Gaelic word "cinnell", translating to a "tribe" or "kindred", suggesting a familial group or clan. Therefore, the meaning of Cannell is highly dependent on individual family histories and regional variations. Like many surnames, it would initially have served to describe a person's attributes or occupation and over time became adopted as a family name.

Cannell: Where does the name Cannell come from?

The surname Cannell is of Manx origin, native to the Isle of Man, a self-governing British Crown dependency located in the Irish Sea between England and Ireland. The name initially evolved as a patronymic derived from the Celtic personal name, Mac Cana. The early forms of the surname were MacCannell or McCannell. These were later shortened to Cannell. It means "the son of the bright-headed one" or "the son of the wolf cub."

Today, the surname Cannell is still common on the Isle of Man. It's also found in regions with significant Manx diaspora, such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. It is not a very common name compared to others and tends to be more concentrated within certain families or communities. The variations of the spelling such as Cannell, Canell, Cannall, or Connell are also seen in some regions. Some people bearing this surname may also have dual origins, since there are similar names within other cultures.

Variations of the surname Cannell

The surname Cannell is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is mainly associated with regions in England. Variations of the spelling are often due to an individual interpretation of the spelling rules, different branches of the family, and translation errors. Some variant spellings include Cannel, Canell, Cannell, Connell, and Cannell.

It is also observed that the name has migrated over centuries and has been adopted by different cultures and languages, which may have led to variations and modifications in spelling.

The surname might also be geographic, deriving from a place called Cannell, such as Cannell Chase in Staffordshire, or possibly a metonymic occupational name for a worker in a monk's cell, from the Middle English and Old Norman "canell", or "channel".

As such, there may also be Scottish and Irish variations or surnames of the same origin, such as MacConnell, McConnell, or O'Connell. However, these names, although phonetically similar, could have different origins, referencing the son of a man named Connell rather than necessarily reflecting a connection with the English Cannell surname.

It is always best to check the specific genealogical lines and family history for the most accurate information.

Famous people with the name Cannell

• Stephen J. Cannell: An American television producer, writer, novelist, and occasional actor, renowned for his work on popular TV series like "The Rockford Files," "21 Jump Street," "The A-Team," and "Wiseguy".
• Paul Cannell: An English former footballer who played for Newcastle United and Swindon Town. He later played for the Seattle Sounders in the North American Soccer League.
• Derrick Cannell: A professional squash player who represented England and the Isle of Man. He is considered one of the best squash players in the world.
• Bryan Cannell: An American football coach and former player, he was the head coach at Whitworth University from 2000 to 2005.
• Frank Cannell: A former U.S Navy pilot who later became a corporate executive and philanthropist.
• Tawni O'Dell: Born as Susan Elizabeth O'Dell Cannell, Tawni is a successful American author who wrote the New York Times bestselling novel, 'Back Roads’.
• Carlene Cannell: A Canadian scientist who has contributed significantly to the field of plant genetics.
• Lakesha Cannell: An American actress and producer known for her work on movies like 'The Mercy Man' and 'Shadow of the Monarch'.

Other surnames

Canney