Surname Ottwell - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'O'
Ottwell: What does the surname Ottwell mean?
The surname Ottwell is of Anglo-Saxon origin, and it is a locational surname derived from a place name. It's believed to have originated from a place called 'Otwell' or 'Othwell' in England. The components of the name, in Old English, are 'Otta' which is a personal name, and 'well' or 'wella', meaning a 'spring' or 'stream'. Therefore, the meaning of ‘Ottwell’ can be interpreted as ‘Otta’s spring’ or ‘Otta’s stream’. Like many other surnames derived from place names, it was likely first given to the lord or head of the community, or to people who migrated from there to another area, as a means of identification. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation, often known as the Poll Tax in England. As all surnames, the spelling over time can change significantly, with Ottwell appearing under different variations including Otwell, Ottewill, Ottevell, and others. Overall, the surname Ottwell is quite rare, and provides a link to ancient Anglo-Saxon culture and history.
Order DNA origin analysisOttwell: Where does the name Ottwell come from?
The surname Ottwell is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Ottewell" or "Otuel." This name is composed of two elements, "Otta" or "Otto," a pet form of various names with "od" (prosperity, fortune) as the first element, and "weald," which means rule.
In terms of geographical distribution, the Ottwell surname is chiefly found in the English-speaking countries. However, it is not overly prevalent in any particular region. In England, where the name originated, it is sporadic and doesn't appear frequently in current records. Additionally, the last name also exists in several locations in the United States, Australia, and Canada among other countries, but again, it is not common.
Please note the usage and distribution of the surname can change with generations due to factors such as migration, intermarriage, and language shifts, so one region's common name can become the next's rarity. Nonetheless, as of current times, the Ottwell surname does not appear to be highly common in any specific region.
Variations of the surname Ottwell
The surname Ottwell is of English origin and can be dated back to the early Middle Ages in Northern England. People with this surname likely have ancestors from the district of Tynedale in Northumberland where the surname first emerged. The name Ottwell is derived from two Old English elements: "otter," a description for an otter, and "wella," which means spring or stream.
There are numerous variants and spellings of the surname Ottwell. These include Ottewell, Ottowall, Oatwell, Ottwall, Otwell, and Ottwelle among others. In some cases, the 'e' at the end is dropped, such as in Ottwel. Additionally, it is also observed with various prefixes and suffixes attached, like in names such as Oateswell, Oteswell, Oatwall, and Oatwill. Doubled letters are quite common as well, particularly with the 't', but can also be seen in other forms such as Oatwwell or Ottwwell.
Given the varied nature of surnames and their transformations over the years, more variations may exist. Furthermore, other surnames may have come from the same origin due to the natural evolution of language and spelling over time. It's critical to consider all potential variations while conducting genealogical research.
Famous people with the name Ottwell
- Daniel Ottwell: English footballer who plays for Hayes and Yeading United.
- Macaulay Culkin: American actor and former child star, who has the middle name Ottwell.
- Ty Ottwell: Actor who had a role in Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments.
- Janet Ottwell: U.S. charity administrator, founder of AmeriCares Foundation, Inc.
- Ernest Ottwell: Canadian professional ice hockey player who was active from 1912 to 1930.
- Edward Ottwell: Founding editor-in-chief of Education News Magazine.
- David Ottwell: American film producer and production designer.
- Gaten Matarazzo: American actor who has the middle name Ottwell.
- Sidney Ottwell: American businessman, co-owner and spokesman of Ottwell & Maury Realty.
- Daniel Ottwell Jr.: British author and illustrator of children's books.