Surname Bonnel - Meaning and Origin
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Unraveling the Ancestral Odyssey: A Bonnel's Deep Dive into iGENEA DNA Test Findings
Delving into the labyrinth of my ancestral past through an iGENEA DNA test, I embarked on a fascinating journey of discovery, specifically centring around my surname, Bonnel. The revelations provided by this genetic analysis painted a vivid picture of my ancestral lineage, spawning from Western Europe and extending to the Jewish population, reflecting the colossal migration, survival, and the rich cultural history of my forbears.
D. Bonnel
read moreBonnel: What does the surname Bonnel mean?
The surname Bonnel is of French origin, derived from the old French term "bon," meaning "good," and "el," which is a diminutive suffix. Therefore, Bonnel could roughly be translated as "the good little one" or "the good child." The name may have initially been given as a nickname or an affectionate term for a good-natured person, before eventually becoming hereditary. It is also possible that the name could be locational, originating from places named Bonnel in France. Variations of the surname include Bonnell, Bonnel, Bonelle, and Bonell. Like many surnames, the exact origin and meaning can vary and could be influenced by regional dialects and usage over time.
Order DNA origin analysisBonnel: Where does the name Bonnel come from?
The surname Bonnel is of French origin. It is derived from the pre-7th century Old French term "bon", meaning good, plus the diminutive suffix "el", suggesting "the good little one" or possibly a term of endearment. Despite its French roots, the surname spread across different regions during the Middle Ages, being found in places like England due to the Norman Conquest.
Today, the surname Bonnel can be found in various parts of the world, due in part to immigration and family movement over the centuries. However, it is most commonly found in France, given its origin. Additionally, it is relatively common in countries with a significant French influence or diaspora, such as Canada, Belgium, and sections of the United States, notably Louisiana, which has a prominent French history and heritage.
It's important to note that the exact distribution of the Bonnel surname can vary, and there would always be exceptions. In some cases, the surname might be more prevalent in a specific locale than the national average would suggest.
Variations of the surname Bonnel
The surname Bonnel, of French origin, has several variants and spellings which can be attributed to regional nuances, translation between languages, or even clerical errors in historical documents. Some of the variations include Bonnell, Bonnelle, Bonel, Bonell, Bonello, and Bonelli.
Bonnelle and Bonnell are the most common variants found in French-speaking regions. In these cases, the extra "l" or "le" at the end might depict a diminutive or affectionate form of the name.
On the other hand, Bonell, Bonel, Bonello, and Bonelli are variants more commonly found in Italian or Spanish-speaking regions where "El" and "ello" mean "the" and "lli" might denote a plural form of Bonel.
It's also common to find these surnames preceded by "de" or "le", which means 'of' or 'the' in French (for example, Le Bonnel or De Bonnell), often used to denote a geographical origin or property ownership.
It's worth noting that although the spellings vary, all these names likely derive from the original French "bon", meaning "good" or “nice”.
Famous people with the name Bonnel
- Kaya Bonnel: French actress and performer
- Polly Bonnel: American fashion designer and entrepreneur
- Hugo Bonnel: French naturalist and botanist
- Jeremy Bonnel: Canadian musician and record producer
- Jim Bonnel: American Major League Baseball catcher
- Jeff Bonnel: Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender
- Pernilla Bonnel: Swedish former professional ice hockey player
- Robert Bonnel: French sculptor and painter
- Bérenger Bonnel: French theological writer
- Paul Bonnel: French general and politician