Surname Seawell - Meaning and Origin
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Seawell: What does the surname Seawell mean?
The surname Seawell is of Anglo-Saxon origin and has a geographical connotation. It originated from a place called "Seawell" in Northamptonshire, England. The name is derived from the Old English pre 7th Century elements "sae," which means "sea, lake," and "wella," meaning "spring, stream." Therefore, the surname Seawell can be interpreted as "one who lives by the sea or lake spring." Over the centuries, the spelling of surnames evolved due to factors such as regional dialects and literacy levels, leading to variations of Seawell such as Sewell, Siwell, and Sowell. The surname also became common in the United States due to immigration.
Order DNA origin analysisSeawell: Where does the name Seawell come from?
The Seawell name is most common today in the United States, particularly in the southern states of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. In fact, in these four states alone, over one-fifth of all Seawells live. The Seawells in the United States are usually descended from English settlers who arrived in Virginia in the 1600s.
The Seawell name is also seen in Canada and the United Kingdom, with a much smaller population. In England, the main concentration of Seawells are in Shropshire, where the Seawells first appeared in the 1300's.
It is believed that the original name originated from Saxon times, derived from the name Sigeweald, meaning 'victory over the sea'. Later, the Seawell name was derived when the name was anglicised.
Overall, the Seawell name has circulated and continues to be found in countries such as England, Canada, and the United States. The common factor between these countries is usually due to migration, and a desire to start anew or search for a better life. Whether as a result of this or not, the Seawell name will remain strong and exist in many places in the world, despite its humble beginnings.
Variations of the surname Seawell
The surname Seawell is believed to have come from a place name which originates from the Old English 'seawell', meaning 'seaway' or 'lake-spring'. This surname is derived from one of two places, both previously listed in the Domesday Book of 1086. Variants and spellings of this surname include Seawell, Seawel, Sewell, Sewell, and Sewell.
The Seawell family name is thought to have first been used by those on the south coast of England and spread outward from there. The surname took on various forms as families moved out of England and into other parts of Europe. The surname Strickland is also thought to be related to Seawell, which was originally an Anglo-Norman variant of the Seawell surname. Other variations of the surname Seawell include Seval, Sovel, Sols, Soule, Sauwell, Searles and Salway.
In Scotland, the surname Seawell was typically found in the Lowlands. This surname could also be found in various forms in parts of Germany, where it is believed to have originated. German spellings typically included 'Seuwell', 'Seeuwell', and 'Sooewell'.
Seawell is still a relatively common surname today. It is thought to be especially popular in the United States, where it tends to be spelled in the traditional Americanized form, often with the ‘e’ dropped and a double ‘l’ added, as in Seawell or Sewell.
Famous people with the name Seawell
- Alice Maud Seawell: American soprano opera singer
- Arthur Ellis Seawell Jr.: American lawyer
- Benny Seawell: American professional golfer
- Bette Seawell: American opera singer
- Don Seawell: American lawyer, theater producer and entrepreneur
- Edward Seawell: American racecar driver
- Gilbert B. Seawell: American biologist and oceanographer
- Hugh Seawell: American politician and investigative journalist
- John Seawell: American jurist
- Joseph Earl Seawell: American lawyer
- Keith Seawell: American politician
- Mary Seawell: American deaf writer and lecturer
- Robert Seawell: American Surgeon General
- Robert Seawell Jr.: American politician
- Walker Seawell: American lawyer