Surname Lovell - Meaning and Origin

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J. Lovell

Lovell: What does the surname Lovell mean?

The surname Lovell is of Norman origin and was introduced to England after the Norman Conquest in 1066. It is derived from the medieval given name "Lovel," meaning "wolf cub" in Old French, which was a popular name in the Middle Ages. The name was most likely a nickname for a person thought to have characteristics of a wolf or cub. The name might also have referred to a hunter or associated with someone who raised young wolves. Over time, this given name evolved into a surname. There are various spelling forms of the surname including Lovel, Lovell, and Lowell. Notable people with this surname include astronaut Jim Lovell and the Baron Lovell, a title in the Peerage of England.

Lovell: Where does the name Lovell come from?

The last name Lovell originates from England, specifically from the Old French "lou," meaning wolf, and "veille," meaning to awake or watch. Introduced into England during the Norman Conquest in 1066, the Lovell surname was likely an occupational name originally given to a night watchman or a person thought to have characteristics similar to a wolf. In the Middle Ages, the name was present in Somerset and spread throughout Britain in subsequent years.

Today, the surname Lovell is still most prevalent in England but has spread across many English-speaking countries due to historical migration. There are notable concentrations in the United States, Canada, and Australia. In the United States, Lovell is especially common in Texas, Utah, and Maine. Despite its dispersion, the highest density of people with this surname is still found in England. Many people named Lovell have also been traced to early settlers in the Caribbean islands, primarily Jamaica.

Variations of the surname Lovell

The name Lovell has some variations in its spellings, presentation, and associated surnames. Lovell can also be spelled as Lovel, Lovelle, Luvell, Luvel, Lovele, and Lovet. Some more archaic variations include Loveth and Lovevell. The name has been noted to appear with prefixes as De Lovell or even Von Lovell, suggesting a possible continental European influence.

In terms of associated surnames, though the link is not immediately obvious, Loveless and Lovelace are considered to have the same origin as Lovell. This is because these names are believed to evolve over time from Lovell with 'lace' or 'less' being a suffix added later.

The surname is believed to have Norman-French origins and is thought to have been introduced into England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The name is often found in early records in its French form, 'Louvel', which means 'young wolf'. This could have also led to another variant, 'Louvell', which closely resembles its French roots.

Further to this, patronyms and matronyms may have been developed based on the original name, such as Lovellson, Lovelldottir, Lovellwood, Lovellsen, and Lovellock. Therefore, Lovell could also be a surname that roots from a place, profession, nickname, or even the name of a tribe.

Famous people with the name Lovell

• Jamie Lovell: English footballer who currently plays outside left/midfielder for Hereford FC.
• Nick Lovell: English actor, best known for his work in television soap operas, having appeared in EastEnders, Coronation Street and Brookside.
• Uvie Ugono: British rapper and songwriter known professionally by his stage name Lovell.
• Shane Lovell: Australian rower and Olympian who competed in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
• Christopher Lovell: British figurative painter, renowned for his portraits and wildlife work.
• Andrew Lovell: Australian filmmaker, specialising in television commercials, music videos, documentary and branded content.
• Carmen Lovell: American actress who starred in films such as, Get Out and White Influx.
• Anthony Lovell: British actor who is best known for his roles in Death Comes to Pemberley, Howards End and Parade’s End.
• Dan Lovell: British athlete specialising in mixed martial arts and kickboxing.
• Aled Lovell: Welsh athlete specialising in mixed martial arts in which he holds a Professional Fighters League World Title.

Other surnames

LovelaceLoveladyLovelassLovelattyLovelessLovelis