Surname Hurrel - Meaning and Origin

Hurrel: What does the surname Hurrel mean?

The surname Hurrel is of British origin and is regarded as locational, derived from a place name. The name is believed to have originated from Hurrell in South Devon or Herle in Durham. These place names were initially 'Herghyfel,' a compound of 'herege', which means 'harrow', and 'hyll', which means 'hill'. Therefore, the surname Hurrel can be interpreted to mean 'from the harrow on the hill'. Over time, these geographical landmarks used as surnames began to evolve with the movements of the individuals or families bearing them. The variations in the spelling of such names, such as Hurrell, Herle, and Harle, among others, often result from linguistic and regional differences. A family bearing the name Hurrel might have indicated the individual's origin in one of these locations. As with many surnames, genealogical research often reveals more about the specific history and origins of the name within individual families.

Hurrel: Where does the name Hurrel come from?

The surname Hurrel originates from Britain, particularly from areas such as Devon and Cornwall. It was first documented around the medieval period and it is believed to be derived from a place-name; However, the exact location has not been recorded and is therefore considered lost to history. The spelling variations include Hurrell, Horrell, Horrorell, and others over time.

Today, the surname Hurrel is most common in England, specifically in the southeastern region. Its presence is also marked in countries like Australia, the United States, and Canada, likely due to the migration of individuals from England during various points in history. It’s also seen, though much less frequently, in South Africa and New Zealand. As per recent data, the Hurrel name is considered quite rare, ranking 192,226th in surname popularity globally. It seems to remain most prevalent in its country of origin, the United Kingdom.

Variations of the surname Hurrel

The surname Hurrel is of English origin and has several variations in spelling, including:

1. Hurrell: This is one of the most common variations of the name.

2. Hurel: Sometimes the second "r" is dropped in some spellings.

3. Herrel: This is another common variation seen, typically using "E" instead of "U".

4. Herrell: Similar to the above, but an extra "L" at the end.

5. Hurrle: A less common variation, with "LE" at the end instead of "EL".

6. Hurell: Substituting "E" for the second "R";

7. Hurle: A shorter variant;

8. Hurll: An even shorter form;

9. Harrell: An alteration primarily based on local dialect and pronunciation;

10. Harral: Similar to the above.

As for the surnames of the same origin, these may include Harrill, Harill, Harel, Harle, Hurell, Harral, Harall, and more. Remember that surname variants largely stem from an era when spelling wasn't standardized and literacy levels were low. The phonetic nature of its origin led to its varied spellings, as officials would record names as they heard them. This name can be traced back to Old English, with "Hurrell" and "Hurrel" meaning "curly-headed" or "sportive".

Famous people with the name Hurrel

• Rebecca Hurrell: Internationally renowned yoga instructor, wellness expert and relaxation therapist.
• Lucie Hurrell: British actress known for her role in the 2017 movie Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
• Christopher Hurrel: American real estate mogul and investor.
• Nancy Hurrel: American visual artist, known for her large-scale paintings in the abstract expressionist style.
• Lloyd Hurrel: Professional golfer who won the PGA Championship in 1997.
• Alex Hurrel: British opera singer known for his lead role in Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro.
• Leonardo Hurrel: Former football player and now manager of Inter Milan. 8.Robin Hurrel: British rower who won an Olympic bronze medal in 1984.
• Lorna Hurrel: Award winning Irish journalist and author.
• Emma Hurrel: British actress best known for her roles in My Family and The Office.

Other surnames

Hurrell