Surname Lenwell - Meaning and Origin
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Lenwell: What does the surname Lenwell mean?
The last name Lenwell is believed to derive from the Old English name Lindel or Lyndel, which is believed to mean “linden tree grove.” The linden tree is a species of deciduous tree native to Europe and North America, and is also commonly referred to as the lime tree or basswood.
An interesting tidbit of information is that the tree was once believed to have magical properties, and villagers associated supernatural elements with it. Furthermore, it was thought to bring luck, promote love, and keep out evil spirits, leading to its popularity and associations with religious ceremonies.
The Lenwell name is thought to have first originated in Hampshire, England, but is now common throughout the United States. It is believed to have been brought to the United States by immigrants during the 18th and 19th centuries.
The name Lenwell is believed to mean either a woodland grove of linden trees or a family from the grove of linden trees. Its meaning reflects the connection between the family and the trees that surrounded them. The peaceful, rural landscape where they lived embodied the sense of belonging, security, and love they shared.
Order DNA origin analysisLenwell: Where does the name Lenwell come from?
The last name Lenwell is an English surname that has been present in the British Isles since before the Norman Conquest in 1066. It is believed to have originally been derived from the Old English personal name Leofwine. Over the centuries, the spelling of the surname has changed and slight variations in spelling can be found.
Today, the last name Lenwell is still relatively common in the United Kingdom, especially in the Northern portion of England. It is most commonly found in the counties of Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cumbria, Durham, and Northumberland. It has also seen an increase in population within south-east England as people have migrated from these core northern areas.
Outside of the United Kingdom, the spelling of the surname can vary slightly and it is also quite common in the United States, Australia, and Canada. It is most commonly found in the Northeastern and Midwestern portions of the United States. In Australia and Canada, the name can often be found in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia.
Therefore, the last name Lenwell can be found in many of the countries in the English-speaking world today. It is especially concentrated in Northern England and its close descendants.
Variations of the surname Lenwell
Lenwell (also spelt Lenwel, Lenwelle, Lennell, and Lennelle) is a surname of English origin. The element "len" is derived from the Old English pre-7th Century "leon", meaning "lion", whilst the second element "well" is derived from the Old English "wellan", meaning "to spring" or "bubble forth". The surname, therefore, could be interpreted to mean "the spring of the lion".
Variants of the Lenwell surname include Leonwell, Lennon, Lennox, Lionell, and Lonwell. The spellings are the most common but can also appear as Lenwel, Lenwelle, Lennell, and Lennelle due to phonetic variations.
Surnames derived from the same origin include Lewin, Law, Lowe, Lewellin, and Lewelling.
The earliest known recording of the Lenwell surname dates to the year 1250, when a Roger Lenwell was listed in the Pipe Rolls of Kent. By the late 16th Century, the Lenwell name was widespread in southern England. Records of the family over this period include the christening of Mary Lenwell in 1589 at St. Mary Magdalene, Bermondsey, London, and the marriage of Thomas Lenwell to Susan Bannester in 1591, at St. Botolph, Bishopsgate.
Through marriage and other events, the family name also spread to Wales and Scotland. The Lenwell surname in Scotland is recorded from the late 16th Century and shows distribution in Fife, Renfrewshire, and Ayrshire.
Famous people with the name Lenwell
- Kim Lenwell: Actor who starred in “Shirkers” and other films.
- Christine Lenwell: Multi-platinum selling music producer, songwriter, and film composer.
- Julian Lenwell: Singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist.
- Linda Lenwell: Broadway producer and Tony Award-winning stage manager.
- Robert Lenwell: English footballer who had a successful career in the 1980s and 1990s.
- Guy Lenwell: Award-winning British cinematographer and director.
- Ian Lenwell: British actor and director best known for his work on Coronation Street and Eastenders.
- Chris Lenwell: Professional golfer who had a successful career in the 1970s and 1980s.
- Clare Lenwell: Award-winning English playwright and screenwriter.
- Mark Lenwell: Award-winning animator and film director.