Surname Ezzell - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'E'
Ezzell: What does the surname Ezzell mean?
The surname Ezzell is believed to be of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from the personal name Ezekiel, which means 'God strengthens' in Hebrew. Over time and with linguistic transformations, Ezekiel evolved into various forms including Ezzell. Surnames were often derived from occupational titles, geographical locations, or personal names, and were utilized to identify a person's family lineage or community reputation. Note that the precise origins and meaning of surnames can often be difficult to trace due to the evolution of languages and the migration of populations over time. While the original meaning of 'God strengthens' can be associated with the surname, the modern meaning of Ezzell does not carry specific connotation beyond its role as a family name.
Order DNA origin analysisEzzell: Where does the name Ezzell come from?
The surname Ezzell is believed to have medieval English origins, though some sources propose a possible early German connection. It's thought to be derived from a personal name, possibly a diminutive form of names such as Ezekiel or Esau. It's generally considered a patronymic surname, where "ell" is a diminutive suffix indicating "little" or "son of." Therefore, Ezzell can mean "son of Ez" or "little Ez." It is important to note that the exact origin and original meaning of the surname are not definitively agreed upon, as with many ancient names.
Today, the surname Ezzell remains more prevalent in English-speaking countries. However, like many surnames, it can be found around the world due to patterns of migration and movement. In particular, it is especially common in the United States, where a majority of individuals with this surname reportedly live. It's also found, albeit in smaller numbers, in countries like England and Canada. There are some concentrations of Ezzells in American states such as North Carolina and Texas.
Variations of the surname Ezzell
The surname Ezzell is of English origin and is widely believed to have been derived from the given name Isolde. Variations and similar surnames include Ezel, Ezell, Ezelle, Ezzelle, Izell, Izzell, Issel, Yzzell, and Yzzel. Some may also spell it Ezehl or Ezheil considering phonetic variations. It's possible that some of the variant forms have been developed after immigration as a way of Anglicising or simplifying the spelling.
Historically, in the lack of standardized spelling, names would often be written down based on how they sounded, leading to numerous variations seen in older records. While less common, the surname may even appear as Hezel, Hessel, or Hesell, as initial 'H's and 'E's can sometimes be interchanged in historical records.
However, it's important to note that while these surnames have similar spellings and may potentially share the same origin, it's not a ultimate proof that individuals bearing these surnames are genealogically related. Comprehensive genetic or genealogical research can provide more information on specific familial connections.
Famous people with the name Ezzell
- Jan Ezzell: a former professional baseball player who played for the Detroit Tigers, the New York Mets, and the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1970 to 1979.
- Charles Ezzell: a former English professional footballer who played for Reading and Queens Park Rangers in the 1980s.
- Jack Ezzell: a former player in the National Football League who played for the Dallas Cowboys and the Baltimore Colts from 1972 to 1977.
- Steve Ezzell: an American fine artist and illustrator, most well-known for his portraits and cover artwork for classic rock albums.
- Roy Ezzell: a former professional baseball player who played for the St. Louis Browns, the Cleveland Indians, and the Philadelphia Phillies from 1949 to 1953.
- D. J. Ezzell: a former professional basketball player who played in the NBA for the Seattle SuperSonics and the Washington Bullets between 1983 and 1984.
- Dave Ezzell: a former member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Team in the Triple Jump, finishing 7th in the finals.
- Garry Ezzell: a former National Hockey League player who played for the Detroit Red Wings from 1975 to 1979.
- Jody Ezzell: an American former junior pro golfer who won the 1997 U.S. Junior Amateur and1999 PGA Junior Championship.
- Robert Ezzell: a former professional basketball player who played in the American Basketball Association for the Denver Rockets and Baltimore Claws from 1967 to 1969.