Surname Culwell - Meaning and Origin

Culwell: What does the surname Culwell mean?

The surname Culwell is of English origin and is a habitational name derived from a place. It originates from an Old English pre 7th century name, "Culvelai," formed by the combination of two words - "col", meaning coal (in reference to charcoal), and "well(a)", meaning spring or stream. Therefore, the name Culwell could mean a charcoal stream or a spring where coal is found. It is generally associated with families who lived near such streams. Variations of the name include Culwell, Culwel, Colwell, Colwel, and others. Like other surnames, families with the last name Culwell have migrated over time and the name can now be found in various parts of the world, largely in English-speaking countries. Regardless of the specific spelling variation, those who carry the Culwell surname share a common ancestral heritage connected to the geographical location it describes.

Culwell: Where does the name Culwell come from?

The last name Culwell is of English origin. It's a locational surname, which typically derived from the place where an initial bearer lived or held land. The term Culwell likely comes from the Old English elements "cul," which can mean "back" or "butt" and "well(a)," meaning a "spring" or "stream." Therefore, the surname might have referred to an individual living near a spring or stream at the backside of an area, or perhaps near a backwater or culvert. Though centuries old, the surname is quite rare. Today, it can mainly be found in the United States, deriving from English or British ancestors. Records of the surname in the UK are scant; hence the surname could have become extinct in its country of origin or is very uncommon. In terms of its distribution in the United States, it tends to be more prevalent among the southwestern states like Texas and Oklahoma. However, it should be noted that even there it remains a fairly uncommon surname.

Variations of the surname Culwell

The surname Culwell has its origins in Celtic regions, mainly Ireland and Scotland. However, like many surnames, it has experienced variations in spelling over centuries due to differences in regional accents and handwriting. Some of these spellings include Collwell, Collwill, Colwell, Coldwell, Couldwell, Caldwell, and Caudwell.

In particular, Caldwell is a common variant that is linked to several places named Caldwell in Northern England and Scotland.

Likewise, Coldwell could be linked to various locations in England such as in West Yorkshire, Derbyshire, and North Yorkshire.

The "well" part of the name often refers to a spring or a well, while the first part could denote a cold well, a coal well (a well near a coal mine), or a colt's well.

The surnames themselves may have morphed or changed when family lines moved to different countries, particularly during instances of mass immigration to countries like America, Australia, and Canada. In these cases, the names may have been Anglicised or simplified to fit phonetically in the new country, resulting in further variations. For instance, the surnames Calwell, Colville, or Colvin might have similar origins to Culwell.

Famous people with the name Culwell

• Stephen Culwell: He is a well-known author and expert in city planning and urban development. He published several books on the subject.
• Ryan Culwell: An American country singer and songwriter, known for his albums "Flatlands" and "The Last American". He is recognized for his gritty storytelling and evocative melodies.
• Mike Culwell: Former professional baseball player who played in the minor leagues in the 1990s. Notable for his time with the Quad City River Bandits and the Arkansas Travelers.
• Sara Culwell: An English opera singer. She had an active international singing career during the 1950s and 1960s. Please note that Culwell is not a common surname among celebrities; therefore, there are only a few noteworthy individuals with it. However, the listed individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields.

Other surnames

Culwen