Surname Kelsale - Meaning and Origin
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Kelsale: What does the surname Kelsale mean?
The last name Kelsale originates from the British Isles and is a locative surname that relays a geographic origin. The name derives from the Old English words cæosere (chase) and halh (nook or corner), combined to form the meaning of "nook of a chase,” which typically referred to a corner of a hunting park where the game were driven to and taken.
The first recorded spelling of Kelsale can be found in the 1221 Assize Rolls of Hertfordshire, which lists William de Chalsele and John de Kelsale. The name is also recorded in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273, which lists John de Kelsale and Roger de Chalsele.
The proliferation of the Kelsale surname is a sign that there was a large and significant population scattered throughout the British Isles, particularly in southern England, as records indicate that the name can be mostly found in those areas. It also suggests that this was a long-standing family name, meaning the family could have been tied to a certain area for centuries.
Today, there are many variations of the Kelsale name, including Kelso, Keasel, Kelsall, Kelsal and Chelsel. Kelsale individuals can also be found in the United States, particularly in the colonial period. Regardless of location, the name Kelsale still carries a connotation of a family background linked to England, to gamekeeping and to hunting.
Order DNA origin analysisKelsale: Where does the name Kelsale come from?
The last name Kelsale is a relatively rare surname which is believed to have originated in Suffolk, England. It is most predominantly found in England, particularly in the East Anglian region, and in small numbers in Scotland. The Kelsale name has been known to exist since the 14th century and is believed to be derived from the Old English word "ceolfara" meaning a ferryman.
The last name Kelsale is also found in the United States. It has been most frequently seen in Massachusetts and New York, particularly in Albany, Suffolk and Saratoga counties. Its presence in the US dates back to the early 19th century. Other US states where it is occasionally found include Georgia, Maryland, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
The Kelsales were predominantly farmers or laborers in their homeland of England, while in the US they were usually employed in the timber or fishing industries. Today, the Kelsale surname continues to be uncommon and is not found in large concentrations in either the US or England.
Variations of the surname Kelsale
The surname Kelsale can have a variety of spellings and variants. Historical records have shown that the most common spelling of the surname Kelsale was Kelsale, Celsale, Kelsall, Celsall, Kelsale, Celsale, Kelsalee, Celsalee, Kelso, Celso, Kelser, Celser, Kellsall, Celsall, Kellso, Celso, Kellsall, Celsall.
Variations of the name can also include Kelsey, Kelcey, and Kelsea. The spelling of the surname will vary depending on geographical location and time period due to the fact that English spelling rules have changed over the years.
Surnames with similar origins may include Kellaway, Kellam, Keeler, Kelleher, Kellow, Kelsey, Kerslake, and Keleher. These surnames are derived from the Old English term cealfre, meaning calf-herd and the Old English term sǣle, meaning dwelling. Both terms are combined to form Kelsale.
It has also been suggested that the surname could be related to the Gaelic tribal group located in Armagh. This group was known as the Cenél n-Echach or Ceile, meaning "soldiers of Eochaidh". They would settle in north-western Ulster, in the current county Donegal and in County Londonderry.
One theory also suggests that the surname could have been derived from the Germanic term kels, meaning venerable or noble. This could indicate that the surname could have originated as an occupational name, related to someone who held a position in a noble household.
Overall, the surname Kelsale can take a variety of forms, but all refer to a similar meaning.
Famous people with the name Kelsale
- Gary Kelsale- singer/songwriter and television personality from England.
- Paul Kelsale- Australian actor who is well-known for his roles in films such as Dead Calm and Four Weddings and a Funeral.
- David Kelsale- British politician and former Member of Parliament.
- Mark Kelsale- British entrepreneur and founder of the web hosting company HostGator.
- Glyn Kelsale- British television presenter and author, best known for presenting shows such as The Elvis Course and Holidays Unlimited.
- Dean Kelsale- English footballer who played for Barnet FC and several other English football teams.
- Sam Kelsale- British author and creative writing professor at the University of Manchester.
- Ramon Kelsale- English cricketer and former captain of the English national cricket team.
- Richard Kelsale- British actor who appeared in films and television shows such as Doctor Who and Game of Thrones.
- Elizabeth Kelsale- American coach and former basketball player who played for the USA national basketball team.