Origin of the surname Bell

This interesting surname, with variant spellings Bel and Belle, has a number of possible derivations. Firstly, it may be a metonymic occupational name for a bellringer or bellfounder, or a topographical name for someone living "at the bell"; this indicates either residence by an actual bell or "at the sign of the Bell", deriving from the Middle English, Olde English pre 7th Century "belle" meaning bell. Secondly, it may have derived from the medieval given name "Bel". As a man's name this is from the Old French "beu, bel" meaning "handsome", which was also used as a nickname.

As a female name it represents a short form of Isobel, a form of Elizabeth. Finally, it may be an Anglicized form of the Gaelic "MacGiolla Mhaoil", "son of the servant of the devotee". The surname dates back to the mid 12th Century (see below). Early recordings include one Robert de la Belle (1222) London. Church recordings show the christening of Mary Bell, an infant, on August 13th 1541, at St. Peter's, Cornhill, London, and the marriage of Margarett Bell to Wylliam Traford on September 13th September 1551, at St. Mary's, Westminster, also in London. One Charles Bell, aged 23 yrs., a famine emigrant, sailed from Liverpool aboard the "Henry Clay", bound for New York, on April 15th 1846. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Seaman Belle, which was dated 1181 - 1187, in "Early London Personal Names", by E. Ekwall, during the reign of King Henry 11, known as "The Builder of Churches", 1154 - 1189. 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.

This noble and ancient lineage had different solar houses in Aragon, Catalonia and Valencia.

In Aragon he had solar houses in Jánovas, his owner Pedro Bell; in Torla, its owner Pedro Bell, and in Fanlo del Valle de Vio (all in Huesca), its owner Pero Bell, documented in the Aragonese Fogueración of 1495.

In Catalonia he had houses in San Cugat de Vallés, his owner Antoni Bell; in Tarrasa, its owner Nicolau Bell; in Rubí, its owner Joan Bell; in Copóns (all in Barcelona), its owner Berthomeu Vell; in Agramunt, its owner Antoni Vell; in the city of Lleida, its owner Joan Vell; in Anglesola, its owner Vicent Vell, and in Taltahull (all in Lleida), its owner Pere Vell, documented in the Fogueración of 1553.

In Valencia he had a solar house in Cullera, documented in 1403.

Bautista Bell, a native of Cullera, married Francisca Jover, being parents of Bautista Bell y Jover, a native of Cullera, Familiar of the Holy Office of the Inquisition, who married Isabel Matoses, born of this union Rafaela Bell y Matoses , a native of Cullera, who married Cristóbal Jover y Renart, a native of Cullera, Familiar of the Holy Office of the Inquisition since 1738.

The surname Bell. Genealogy, origin, history, meaning, and significance

Discovering the historical roots of bell is deeply interesting, as it takes us back to the ancestors and relatives who established this lineage. Research into the possible origins of bell leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname. Adhering to what we know about the way surnames originated, it is possible to offer a realistic explanation of the origins of bell.

The surname Bell around the world

Although surnames have a specific origin at a certain time and region of the planet, many of them have spread far and wide across the world for various reasons, as is the case with the surname bell. There is a considerable probability that bell 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 bell is most abundant are the following.

History of Bell

The historical chronicle of bell is based on a striking series of events that were led by those who have carried this surname throughout history. 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 bell are found in every look back in the history of this lineage. In the following lines, you will find everything we have been able to gather about the surname bell.

We suggest that if you want to learn more about the surname bell, try to locate it through the bibliographic sources we suggest. 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 bell could be modified.

Notable Figures Named Bell

It's more than likely that there have been some distinguished bells throughout human history. We assume that there have been significant contributions to humanity made by individuals with the surname bell, even though not all have been documented to our present day. If you or someone you know bears the surname bell, you could potentially build illustrious lineages through your efforts and virtues. It is our desire to highlight in this section those individuals with the surname bell who, for various reasons, have left their mark on the course of history.

The surname Bell and its bibliographic sources

Thanks to a significant bibliographic review, we have so far compiled information on the heraldry, history, and genealogy of bell. The bibliography collects information related to the surname bell, which allows us to learn more about its meaning. Accessing the archives of the town or towns where your ancestors were born and lived is, of course, a good way to trace the origins of bell.

SOURCES

These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of bell, and at the same time, of surnames in general.

Origin of Bell