Surname Lessels - Meaning and Origin

Lessels: What does the surname Lessels mean?

The last name LESSELLS originates from England and is of patronymic origin, derived from the male given name Lescel which in Old English translates as ‘a camp’. This surname is believed to have come from various places called Laissele, Loches in France, and Lesceles in northern England where familes with this surname were found in the early Middle Ages.

The first record of this surname in England dates back to 1273 when one Adam de Lessels was recorded as a witness to a court case in the Court Rolls of the manor Worsted. The same family were found living in the area in the fifteenth and sixteenth century.

Variations of this last name found in later records include Leselles, Lass cells, Lassials, and Lesselee. Variations of the spelling of the surname include Lessles, Lessells, and Lessels, although the most common today are Lessells and Lessels.

The authority on British surnames, The Oxford Dictionary of Surname, states that the frequency of the last name Lessels is highest in the West Midlands, particularly around the locations of Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Staffordshire. The other highest occurring counterparts can be found in a multitude of counties throughout England.

Overall, the word Lessels is derived from an Old English term which literally translated as ‘a camp’ and found predominantly in the West Midlands, England. Variations of the spelling of this surname have been found in later records, with the most common version being Lessells and Lessels.

Lessels: Where does the name Lessels come from?

The last name LESSELS is most common in its native country of Germany, particularly in the northern regions. Members of the LESSELS family have been present in Germany since the Middle Ages, and examples of the name have been found as far back as 1301.

The surname is now spread across much of Germany, with the highest concentrations existing in Berlin, Bavaria, Lower Saxony, and North Rhine-Westphalia. It is also commonly found in the adjacent countries of Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.

Beyond Europe, many LESSELS emigrated to the United States in the nineteenth century after Germany banned freedom of religion. Significant numbers of German immigrants settled in parts of Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, and the surname can still be found in those states and their neighboring areas.

The LESSELS family tree is thought to have originated near the city of Bavaria, but due to their nomadic lifestyle at the time, it is unknown when exactly they settled in that region. A number of coat of arms have been attributed to the LESSELS family, many of which feature a silver castle on a blue background, symbolizing the noble heritage of the surname.

Variations of the surname Lessels

The surname LESSELS is an uncommon but widespread surname that is thought to have several variant spellings and surnames of the same origin. The most common variant spellsings of LESSELS are LESEL, LESSEL, LESELL, and LESEAL. These four spellings of the surname have remained relatively unchanged since at least the 16th century.

It is additionally believed that LESSELS may have been a variant spelling of the surname LUSSELL, which is more commonly seen on records. LUSSELL is derived from the Old French word 'lucel', meaning 'small fire' or 'bonfire', and indicated someone with a light colored complexion. The presence of this variant surname sibling suggest LESSELS could have meant the same thing.

Other surnames of similar origin known to originate in the same areas as LESSELS include LUSK, LUSCH, and LUSKIN. In Germany, records of the surname began appearing as early as the 17th century. This suggests that the surname may also be of Germanic origin, although this is not conclusively established.

The surname LESSELS can also be encountered in the spellings LESSELES, LUSKELLS, LESSELSEN, and LESSELMAN. All of these surnames could be of the same origin, and it is possible that the family of LESSELS was formed through adoption of a similar name by members of the same family.

Famous people with the name Lessels

• Conrad Lessels: Austrian actor.
• Mary Lessels: 20th century American author.
• Robert Lessels: 18th century mathematician and astronomer.
• Richard Lessels: 18th century Bishop of Durham.
• David Lessels: British cinematographer.
• Robert Lessels: late 18th century English naval officer and explorer.
• Arnold Lessels: early 20th century American physicist and lawyer.
• George Lessels: early 20th century American clergyman and politician.
• Claud Lessels: early 20th century Canadian-born actor and director.
• Stephen Lessels: late 19th century Australian author and travel writer.
• Oscar Lessels: 19th century German chess master.
• Reginald Lessels: 20th century British politician.
• Jane Lessels: 20th century American baseball player.
• Jack Lessels: 20th century American gambler and philanthropist.
• Max Lessels: 20th century Dutch basketball player, Olympic medalist.
• Don Lessels: 20th century American aviator.
• Andrea Lessels: 21st century American entrepreneur.
• June Lessels: 21st century Australian opera singer.
• August Lessels: 21st century American author.
• Cedric Lessels: 21st century British actor and director.

Other surnames

LessellsLessenich