Surname Spidell - Meaning and Origin

Spidell: What does the surname Spidell mean?

The last name Spidell is an English surname of Norman origin. The Spidell spelling appears to have been used predominantly in England and Scotland, but it may also be found in other parts of the world due to migration.

The origin of the name Spidell is from two Old English words: speo, which means spear, and dill, which refers to an English meadow plant. The name Spidell therefore means “spear meadow”. It is believed that the meaning of the name is indicative of a family’s history of being agriculturalist, likely owning or leasing some form of land, which was then applied to as their surname.

The name Spidell is associated with a sense of ambition and drive to be successful in life, often associated with both business and military aspirations of past generations. Those with the Spidell name have been known to be a strong-willed and determined people, unbowed by the challenges they face. The name is also somewhat associated with cunningness and resourcefulness, since these traits would be needed to survive and thrive in medieval Europe.

Throughout the centuries, many Spidells have gone on to make a great mark in history, from military commanders to heads of state. While there is no single clear origin story for the name, the legacy of the Spidells is one of courage, ambition, and a sense of resourcefulness in the face of adversity.

Spidell: Where does the name Spidell come from?

The last name Spidell is most common today in the United States. In fact, according to the 2018 US Census, over 14,000 Americans share this surname. The majority of people with this surname can be found in California, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas, with Pennsylvania having the highest concentration.

Most of the people with the surname Spidell are descendants of William Spidell, who emigrated from the Palatinate (present-day Germany) to America in the late 17th century.

The Spidells have long been a presence in American culture. Over the years, the family has been involved in numerous professions, including farming, mining, and engineering.

Today, the Spidells can be found everywhere from rural towns to large cities, and their members have spread out to other states as well. In recent years, the family has made a concerted effort to keep in touch and stay connected through social gatherings, reunions, and newsletters.

The Spidells continue to be a vibrant presence in American life, and if history is any indication, they will remain an integral part of the nation’s diverse fabric for generations to come.

Variations of the surname Spidell

The surname Spidell is derived from the Old English word spid, meaning spider. It is a toponymic surname, referring to a person who is from a place called Spid. In some cases, the surname may be derived from the Middle English word ‘spydell’, which means an embroidered item.

Variant spellings of the surname Spidell include Spidell, Spydell, Spedell, Speldell, Spedel, Spedall, Speldel, Speldall, Spytell, Spydel, Spydall and Spaitell.

Other surnames with the same origin include Spidall, Spidels, Spidal, Spaidel, Spaidell, Spaidal, Spaitel, Spaidall, Spaitall, Speidel, Speidels, Speidal, Speidall, Speidl, Speidelle, Spydeal, Spydeall, Spydelles, Spedele, Speidelsle, Spytelles, Spidl and Speidelsle.

The most common variations of the surname Spidell in the UK are Spidal, Speidel, Spytell, Spydel and Speidle, while in the US they are Spidle, Spedel, Spaidal, Spittal and Spetel.

The surname is mostly common in England, but is also found in Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, United States, Denmark, Netherlands and Canada.

Famous people with the name Spidell

• Jim Spidell: Jim is a retired American professional soccer player. He played for the Los Angeles Aztecs of the original North American Soccer League.
• Brent Spidell: Brent is an American rapper, record producer, and songwriter. He is best known as the co-founder of hip-hop collective Wrecked Mob.
• Trevor Spidell: Trevor is a former professional Canadian football player who played defensive back for the Canadian Football League's Saskatchewan Roughriders.
• Barbara Spidell: Barbara is a former American television producer, author, and former senior editor of National Geographic during her 24-year tenure with the magazine.
• Chris Spidell: Chris is an American stand-up comedian, podcaster, and writer. He is best known for his weekly podcast, "The Last Thing I Should Tell You".
• Jeff Spidell: Jeff is an American film and television composer. He is best known for his scores for the film Screamers and the TV series Law & Order.
• Dale Spidell: Dale is an American game show producer and writer. He is best known for his work on Wheel of Fortune.
• Damian Spidell: Damian is an Australian hip-hop artist, based in Brisbane. He has authored 5 albums and his music has been featured in films and television shows.
• Sean Spidell: Sean is a British musician, bassist for the indie-rock band Sir Sly.
• Brian Spidell: Brian is a Canadian professional lacrosse player who played for the Ontario Lacrosse Association teams the Toronto Rock and the Brampton Excelsiors.

Other surnames

Spidel