Surname Bonnell - Meaning and Origin
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Bonnell: What does the surname Bonnell mean?
The surname Bonnell is of Norman origin and was introduced into England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. It is derived from the French personal name "Bonel," which is based on the Old French word "bon", meaning good. The name had several forms including Bonellus, Bonilla, Bonnel, and Bunel. The "el" or "ell" endings could mean "little." Over time, due to changes in pronunciation and spelling, the surname has evolved into its current forms which include Bonnell, Bonelle, Bonel and Bonelle among others. Some of the earliest recordings of this surname date back to the 12th and 13th centuries in England. Like many surnames, it can be found in different regions and countries, representing different lineages and family histories. As with any surname, without specific genealogical research, the exact meaning to any individual or family may vary based on their own family history.
Order DNA origin analysisBonnell: Where does the name Bonnell come from?
The surname Bonnell is believed to have derived from French origin, specifically from the French word "bon", meaning "good", and "el", a diminutive suffix. It is often considered a nickname surname, given to someone of good or pleasant nature. The name may have been popularized in other regions through French emigration.
Bonnell first surfaced in England during the era of the Norman Conquest in 1066, when the Normans carried the name to England. In Ireland, it was commonly adopted by people who would have originally had the Gaelic O'Tuathail, meaning "illustrious", due to a phonetic similarity between the names.
Today, Bonnell is a fairly uncommon surname. In the United States, it's more frequently found than in many other countries, though it's not very common compared to other surnames. It may also still be seen in England and France, and to a lesser extent in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It is relatively rare in regions such as Asia, Africa, and South America.
Variations of the surname Bonnell
The surname Bonnell has a few different variants, spellings, and surnames of similar origin due to linguistic and regional differences. Some of these include Bonnell, Bonnel, Bonnelle, Bonell, Bonel, Bunnel, Bunnell and Bunel.
This surname is believed to have originated from France, and thus, common variations reflect the linguistic preferences in French language and regional language evolution. In some areas, especially where English influence was strong, the name could also be spelled as Bonelle or Bonnellie. Additionally, a common pattern is dropping one 'n' or 'l' from the end of the name, leading to variants such as Bonel and Bunel.
There is also the surname Bonello, which is of similar origin and might be confused with Bonnell. However, Bonello is actually Italian.
In the middle ages, it was common practice to translate or anglicize French and other foreign surnames into English and so, the surname Bonnell may also be related to the English surname Bunhill or Bunnell.
Overall, despite various spelling modifications, all these surnames retain the original meaning of the name, linked to geographical locations and professions.
Famous people with the name Bonnell
- Steven Bonnell: Mostly known as "Destiny", Steven Bonnell is an influential American Twitch streamer and YouTuber. His content primarily revolves around gaming, politics, and debates.
- Calvin Bonnell: Also known as 'Cal', he was a famous Canadian baseball player and coach.
- Cynthia Bonnell: She is a renowned Clinical Social Work/Therapist based in California, USA.
- Owen Bonnell: An accomplished author and prominent community figure in Liverpool, England.
- Joe Bonnell: An American conservationist working for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
- Annie Bonnell: An Australian nurse who served in World War I, was a member of the Australian Army Nursing Service, and was awarded multiple military honors.
- Peter Bonnell: A well-known UK-based art curator, predominantly involved with the QUAD: a center for contemporary art and film. These individuals, although not universally recognized, have made significant contributions to their respective fields.