Surname Pencil - Meaning and Origin

Pencil: What does the surname Pencil mean?

The last name Pencil is believed to have originated from the Old French word "penicil," which was derived from the Latin word "penicillus" meaning a "painter's brush." It could also have originated from the Middle English word "pensel," which described an implement used in drawing or writing.

In some cases, the name may have gained its origin from a nickname of someone who was naturally inventive or creative. Throughout European history, names derived from jobs and qualities were popular and often used as surnames. As such, by choosing a name that was suggestive of creativity and the ability to bring ideas to life, families were proudly professing their talents to future generations.

Another potential origin of the name Pencil could be derived from the Latin verb "penicillare," meaning "to meddle," which could have been assigned to someone who was overly involved in the business of others. The French verb "peniciller" has the same meaning, so it's possible that the name originates from this concept.

Whatever the precise origin of the name may be, it is likely that the original Pencils were not literal pencil-smiths, but were instead individuals with keen artistic or creative skills, or had a propensity for getting involved in other people's affairs.

Pencil: Where does the name Pencil come from?

The last name Pencil is thought to be of French origin. Today, it is most common to find individuals with the last name Pencil living in the United States. In fact, a search of the United States Census Bureau reveals that approximately 2,000 people in the U.S. are named Pencil. The vast majority of these individuals are concentrated in the midwestern region of the U.S., with the largest populations being concentrated in the states of Illinois, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Indiana.

In France, the last name Pencil is much rarer, with just twenty individuals listed as living in France according to the same census source. The French version of the name, 'Crayon', is also rare, with a similar number of individuals claiming it as their family name.

Although the overall population of individuals with the last name Pencil is low, its presence in the U.S. is not unusual due to the large numbers of French immigrants who left to settle in America in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Since then, the name has endured and spread throughout the nation as a result of individuals choosing to take on the English name version of Pencil.

Variations of the surname Pencil

The surname Pencil has a few variants that share a similar origin. Pencill is one of the more popular variations, although Pencile and Pencell are also both seen from time to time. Other alternate spellings and surnames include Pencill, Pencal, Pencilll, Pennsel, Pensel, Pencilll, Pencile, Pencel, Pencille, Pennshall, Pensell, and Pinsall.

The surname is derived from the Middle English word "pendil," which is a borrowed version of the French word "pensé," meaning thought or reflection. By the 13th century, the surname was in use in England and Scotland. Initially, the name was an occupational surname for a book-keeper or accountant, referring to the importance of counting and writing on a ledger.

In the English language, the word "pencil" has been in use long before the surname, and is thought to derive from the Latin language "penicillus," which means "little tail." The word is thought to have been changed from "penicillus" to "pencil" sometime in the 16th century by the combination of two smaller words – pen and cellul.

The variants of this surname spread to multiple different countries and cultures. As is the case with many surnames, it has evolved over time to fit different languages and cultures, resulting in some prevalence of variations in spelling.

Famous people with the name Pencil

• Danny Pencil: Beatboxer and vocal percussionist known for his funk style and freestyle battles.
• Bill Pencil: Novelist and winner of the 2019 Nobel Prize for Literature.
• Jack Pencil: Singer-songwriter and folk-rock musician notable for his socially conscious lyrics.
• Mark Pencil: Graphic artist and surrealist painter who rose to fame in the 1970s.
• James Pencil: International movie star known for his appearances in blockbuster films.
• Robert Pencil: Professional soccer player and captain of the U.S. national team.
• Lisa Pencil: Grammy Award winning country music singer-songwriter.
• Barry Pencil: Economist renowned for his pioneering insights into the global economy.
• Ted Pencil: Award winning film director and producer of independent movies.
• Michael Pencil: Influential jazz pianist recognized for his virtuoso improvisations.

Other surnames

PencillPencille