Surname Spell - Meaning and Origin
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Spell: What does the surname Spell mean?
The last name Spell is most likely derived from the Old English term "spellian" which means "to tell or speak." It was often used as a nickname for a public speaker, storyteller, or someone who is talkative. It could also possibly refer to a person who was involved in conjuring spells or witchcraft, or who was believed to possess magical powers. Spell is also found as a surname in many old English records, indicating it may have been used to identify someone based on their profession or personal characteristics. Like many other surnames, the exact origin and meaning can vary based on geographical regions and historical context. In summary, the surname Spell most likely has occupational or personal characteristic origins.
Order DNA origin analysisSpell: Where does the name Spell come from?
The last name Spell is common in the United States today, primarily found in the Southern states. The surname is of English origin, and it is believed to be of patronymic origin, derived from the given name "Speller." The name is first documented in the mid 1200’s in England as "de la Spele" and "le Speler." During the 13th century, the surname was distributed widely in England, in places such as Northamptonshire, Surrey, and Herefordshire.
As more English settlers moved into the Southern areas, the families bearing the Spell surname spread across the region. Many families with the surname have been found in states such as North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, and other surrounding states. These states often feature surnames that have survived generations, and as such is still very common today due to the beauty, and the longevity of its use.
Thanks to Migration from the Southern United States, the name has spread even farther, to states such as Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio. In recent times, some of these names have traveled even farther, to places like Idaho, and all the way up into Canada.
It can also be found in the census records of the 1800s. However, since the census is so very old, the chance of someone with the surname to be living is slim, which is why the spell surname remains as common in the South today as it did centuries ago.
Variations of the surname Spell
The surname Spell can have variants, spellings, and surnames of various origins. The most common surnames of spell origin are Spell, Spill, Speller, Spiller and Spele.
Variants of Spell include Spel, Speal, Speall, Spealler, Spellman, Spellmann, Speler, Spile and Spail. Spellman and Spellmann are German variants of Spell, Speal and Spel are English and Welsh variants, while Spealler is an American variant.
Spell can also be spelled differently in different languages and regions. Some alternate spellings include Spell, Spel, Spail, Spek, Speler, Spailer, Speller, Speler, Spailer, Spile, and Spiller.
The surnames associated with Spell of different origins include Speleman, Speelman, Spellm, Spelm, Spelemann, Spillman, Spilman, Speleman, and Spilmann. These are all German variants of the surname spelling. Spellm and Spelm are also English and Scottish variants.
Spell can also be a given name, with less common surname spellings being Spalla and Spaller. Spalla is an Italian variant, while Spaller is an American variant.
There are many varying spellings and variants of Spell, so the best thing to do when researching a family name is to look through records from different countries and regions to identify the most common surname origins.
Famous people with the name Spell
- Shenelle Spell: Model and digital content creator
- Maurice Spellman: Professional Basketball Player
- Kymilla Spellman: Award-Winning Author, Speaker & Educator
- Robert J. Spellman: NASA Astronaut & Retired Air Force Colonel
- Blaze Spellman: Actor and Film Maker
- Frank S. Spellman: Former US Postmaster General
- Kourtney Spellman: Actress and Singer
- Jacob Spell: Professional Soccer Player
- Terrence Spellman: Comedian and Actor
- Gayle Spell: Award-Winning Radio Talk Show Host