Surname Revell - Meaning and Origin
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Revell: What does the surname Revell mean?
The surname Revell is of English origin and is considered to be a habitational name. It is derived from various places in England, such as Revel in Devon and Revells in Warwickshire, which were named from an Old English word, "hrifel", or Middle English "revel" that means ‘a hand-bell used to give notice of some event’. This term later evolved to mean a form of festivity or merrymaking, hence this surname could imply someone known for their festive or lively personality, or possibly, a person in charge of organizing events or ringing the bells during celebrations in medieval times. It's also used as a nickname for a rebel, from Middle English "revel", meaning to rebel or be unruly. Hence, the exact meaning could vary based on different family history and regional interpretations.
Order DNA origin analysisRevell: Where does the name Revell come from?
The last name Revell is most commonly found in England, particularly in the southern regions of England. Substantial numbers of people bearing this last name can also be found in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
In England, the last name has a historical connection with Herefordshire and notably with the village of Brampton Bryan in the county. It's possible that the surname had its beginnings here in the 16th century, and it is also quite likely that the surname Revell is related to the name Revel.
In the United States, this last name is mainly found in the states of Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky, Ohio, Missouri, and Texas. It is likely that many genetic connections formed between members of the Revell family settled in the states mentioned above due to the large-scale migration from the British Isles during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Today, you can find people bearing the Revell surname living all over the world. It is likely that the surname has become more widespread due to increased intermingling caused by globalization.
Variations of the surname Revell
The surname Revell has multiple variants, spellings, and different surnames of the same origin. It is an English patronymic surname that is derived from the ancient given name Revel, with the suffix "-ell". The given name Revel is derived from the Old French “Reveille” which means “wake” or “to awake”.
Variants of Revell include Revel, Revell, Riley, Ryle, and Ryall. These variants are normally found in Eastern and Southern England.
Reeve is also another variant of Revell. This variant is quite common in the West Midlands and can also be found in some parts of the countries of Wales and Ireland. Reeve comes from Anglo-Saxon origin, finishing from "gerefa" which was originally an old English administrative title.
Spellings for Revell include Ravell, Ravells, Ravel, Raevell, Revill, Ravill, and Ravelle.
Surnames of the same origin include Ravell, Ravill, Rabb, Rabell, Revel, Rayvell, Revells, Revely, Rille, and Raesly.
Revell is a popular surname in England, and is also common among English-speaking countries, such as Canada and the United States. It is also found in Scotland and Wales.
Famous people with the name Revell
- Stephen Revell: Author and illustrator
- Graham Revell: English musician and composer
- Elisa Revell: British model and presenter
- Carole Revell: English actress
- Kate Revell: English actress
- Andrew Revell: English actor
- Laura Revell: Canadian Actress
- Ross Revell: British actor
- Simon Revell: British film and television actor
- Ted Revell: English comedian
- Roger Revell: American Actor
- Neil Revell: British Actor
- Keith Revell: English footballer
- Colin Revell: English footballer
- Colin Revell: English cricketer