Surname Hurrell - Meaning and Origin

Hurrell: What does the surname Hurrell mean?

The surname Hurrell is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from the Old English personal name 'Hereweald', which combined the elements 'here', meaning army, and 'weald', meaning power, rule. Thus, it can be translated as "ruler of the army." It's traditionally considered a locational surname, often given to people who lived in or were from Harwell in counties such as Berkshire and Oxfordshire in England. Variations of this name include Harwell, Horwell, Hurle, and Hurl. Over time, these surnames spread across the English-speaking world through migration. Thus, the surname is prevalent in countries such as the United States, Australia, Canada, etc. It's important to note that meanings of surnames can change over centuries and may not necessarily reflect the current bearers' characteristics or professions.

Hurrell: Where does the name Hurrell come from?

The surname Hurrell is of English origin, likely derived from a geographical location or a personal name during medieval times. One possibility is that it originated from Hurrell in the county of Essex. Another suggestion is that it could be a variant of Harold, derived from the Old English personal name "Hereweald", meaning "army power".

Today, the Hurrell surname is most common in England, particularly in the southwestern regions. It is also relatively prevalent in the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand due to historic migration patterns. The frequency of Hurrell as a last name varies around the world, with fewer occurrences in non-English speaking countries. Over the years, families with the surname Hurrell have moved and migrated, spreading it to other regions. However, the highest concentration of individuals with the Hurrell surname remains in the United Kingdom, indicating its strong English roots.

Variations of the surname Hurrell

The surname Hurrell is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Hereweald", composed of the elements "here" meaning army, and "weald" meaning rule. Variants, alternative spellings, and surnames of the same origin include: Harrell, Herrell, Horrell, Harral, Harle, Harrold, Harell, Herrold, Horrold, Horold, Horrald, Horrell, Horrol, Hurrul, Hurrill, Hurrol, Hurroll, Hurrel, Hurel, Hurle, Hurl, and Herel. These variations in spelling happened often in medieval times due to illiteracy among the common people.

It is also possible that some of these variants might be associated with different geographical locations or through intermarriage between families, resulting in a change or alteration of the original surname. As surnames were often passed down through generations, minor changes in spelling or pronunciation could have evolved over time.

These variants maintain the original essence of the name and its meaning while subtly changing its spelling or pronunciation. Additionally, in the past, surnames were not as standardized as they are today, so different branches of the same family might use different spellings or variants. In genealogical research, it is often necessary to consider such variations when tracing family lines.

Famous people with the name Hurrell

• George Hurrell: He was an American photographer known for his black-and-white glamour shots of Hollywood stars during the 1930s and 1940s.
• Julia Hurrell: She is an Australian actress famous for her role in the TV series "All Saints."
• Mike Hurrell: He is a former professional footballer who played for Stoke City in the English football league.
• Sarah Hurrell: She is a high-ranking civil servant in the UK government and also a member of the National Audit Office.
• Susan Hurrell: She is a Canadian archaeologist and author recognized for her significant contributions to North American prehistoric archaeology.
• Wayne Hurrell: An English footballer who's known for playing for Gillingham F.C.
• Ben Hurrell: He is an English rugby union player who plays as a center for Northampton Saints in the Premiership.
• Henry Bond Hurrell: He was a South Australian pastoralist and politician.
• Joe Hurrell: He is a former professional footballer who had an extensive career in the minor leagues of English football.
• Eddie Hurrell: He was a South African cricketer who has played for Eastern Province.

Other surnames

Hurrel