This interesting and uncommon name is of Anglo-Saxon origin, and is a locational surname deriving from places called Halwell and Halwill in Devonshire, or from Holwell, the name of places in Dorset and Leicestershire. Halwall near Totnes in Devon is recorded in the Episcopal Registers of the county of 1259 as "Halgevelle", and Halwill, near Holsworthy, is "Halgewilla" in the Domesday Book of 1086, and "Haliwill" in the 1228 Feet of Fines. The place called Holiwell in Dorset near Broadway is recorded as "Halegewella" in Domesday, and as "Halghwell" in 1307, while Holwell in Leicestershire is "Holewelle" in Domesday.
The first three of these placenames share the same meaning and derivation, which is "the holy spring or stream", from the Olde English pre 7th Century "halig", holy, and "well(a)", well, spring, steam; many springs were dedicated to saints in medieval times, although this practice was often a Christian continuance of an earlier pagan belief. Howell in Leicestershire is "a stream in a deep valley", from the Olde English "holh", hollow, and "well(a)", as before. The modern surnames from these placenames include Halliwell, Hall(a)well, Hallewell and Al(l)well, and the following are examples from Church Registers: the christening of Willim, son of John Allwell, at Castle Donnington, Leicestershire, on August 1st 1564, and the marriage of Maude Allwell and Robert Stroode on June 22nd 1600, at Stratton with Grimstone in Dorset. The Al(l)well Coat of Arms is a black pile on a silver shield, over all a chevron counterchanged. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Osbert de Haliwell, which was dated 1200, in the "Pipe Rolls of Suffolk", during the reign of King John, known as "Lackland", 1199 - 1216. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.
The history of the surname alwell is, like that of most surnames, a complex and fascinating journey to ancient times with the aim of unraveling the origin of alwell. Research into the possible origins of alwell leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname. We can try to trace the genealogy of the surname alwell, and in addition to the original locations of alwell, we can find out where people with the surname alwell can currently be found.
It is common for surnames like alwell to become known in places far removed from their country or region of origin. Discover which ones. There is a considerable probability that alwell has crossed the borders of its place of origin to establish itself, to a greater or lesser extent, in other parts of the world. With all the information we have today, it can be said that the countries where alwell is most abundant are the following. The mobility of people carrying the surname alwell has led to its presence in different countries, as you can verify.
The historical journey of the surname alwell can be traced back to those who were the first bearers of alwell. The deeds, the way of life, the places they lived, the family relationships they had, the jobs they held by those who were the first to be named alwell are found in every look back in the history of this lineage. The history, heraldry, coats of arms, and possible nobility of the surname alwell are scattered in documents across various regions and historical periods, so it is necessary to reconstruct a complex puzzle to approach the facts from a realistic perspective.
You can visit us regularly to get more information about the origin of the surname alwell, as we frequently accept significant contributions from other individuals interested in heraldry and the history of surnames. It is common for genealogy and surname enthusiasts to provide us with information of special value, so the data we offer about the origins of alwell could be modified. Please note that if you are in a position to provide more data about the surname alwell or any other surname and its origin, we would appreciate your collaboration with us by sending us information about the origin of alwell.
Unfortunately, it's highly probable that not all alwells who performed notable deeds have been included in historical chronicles and records. We assume that there have been significant contributions to humanity made by individuals with the surname alwell, even though not all have been documented to our present day. A surname like alwell can connect a person to an illustrious lineage and a distinguished coat of arms. However, it must be kept in mind that it is individual people who, through their lives and actions, bring fame and recognition to their surnames. It is our desire to highlight in this section those individuals with the surname alwell who, for various reasons, have left their mark on the course of history.
It goes without saying that consulting bibliographic and documentary sources is essential when accessing information about the origins of the surname alwell. The bibliography collects information related to the surname alwell, which allows us to learn more about its meaning. We consider it highly advisable to refer to the following sources if you wish to conduct research on the surname alwell, as well as many other surnames.
These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of alwell, and at the same time, of surnames in general.