Surname Sorrells - Meaning and Origin
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Sorrells: What does the surname Sorrells mean?
The last name Sorrells originates from the Old French word "sorel," meaning reddish brown or the color of a young deer's coat. It was primarily used as a nickname to refer to someone with reddish-brown hair, similar to the color of a young deer or fox in summer. The surname likely evolved from this nickname. Over time, the name may have also been given to someone who frequently wore clothes of this color. As with many surnames, the spelling has been altered and Anglicized over centuries, which led to variations such as Sorrell, Sorel, and Sorrells. As a surname, it is found predominantly in English-speaking countries. In conclusion, the last name Sorrells often signifies a historical familial connection to an individual with reddish-brown hair or someone who frequently wore this color.
Order DNA origin analysisSorrells: Where does the name Sorrells come from?
The last name Sorrells can be found in varying concentrations across the United States, usually reflecting individual family migrations since the early 1800s. As such, regions along the East Coast—such as North Carolina, Virginia and South Carolina—boast some of the highest densities of Sorrells families today. Additionally, many people with the last name Sorrells have moved to Midwestern and Southern states such as Tennessee, Georgia, Ohio, and Texas.
Outside of the US, the last name Sorrells is concentrated in the British Isles. It remains most common in England, where it ranks within the top 2,000 surnames according to the Office of National Statistics. Sorrells families can also be found in abundance throughout Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and beyond.
In addition to the US and the British Isles, Sorrells families can be found in Europe, South America, and Australia, among other parts of the world. Frequent immigration and intercontinental relocation in recent centuries has resulted in populations of Sorrells’ families in the countries where their ancestors originated from, but also countries beyond that.
The last name Sorrells has contracted and spread over the centuries as families have migrated across the globe. As a result of volitional and involuntary migration, Sorrells families remain a reliably present surname in many countries worldwide.
Variations of the surname Sorrells
The surnames Sorrells, Sorrels, Sorrell, Sorrel, and Sorel are all variants with the same origin. The name is derived from the Old French word sor, which means sorrel. This plant was a common herb used in Medieval times and was known for its medicinal properties. The name became an occupational surname for those who cultivated it. Today, people who bear this name are likely to have roots in the Anglo-Saxon world.
The various spellings of Sorrells can be attributed to the various dialects of the Anglo-Saxon period, as well as migration and immigration. For example, the spelling Sorrels may have been introduced by the French, who were present in Britain during the Middle Ages. Meanwhile, Sorrel and Sorel may be the result of the introduction of the Norman language into the English language after the Norman Conquest.
The variants of Sorrells also make it difficult to trace the origin of this surname within the United Kingdom. Although most of the variants are confined to Britain, Sorel has been found in other countries. In Germany, variants such as Sürlle and Saurl have been identified. In Scotland, variants such as Sorral and Sherral have been recorded. Additionally, the surname has been recorded in the United States with variants such as Surrell and Surrells.
Overall, the variants and spellings of Sorrells are indicative of the diverse history of this surname, which has been shaped by the Anglo-Saxon and Norman languages as well as immigration and migration.
Famous people with the name Sorrells
- Robert Sorrells: an American judge and politician who served as Justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia from 2009 to 2021.
- Jimmy Sorrells: an American basketball player who played in the NBA from 1971 to 1976.
- Eddie Sorrells: an American football player who played for the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL from 1985 to 1989.
- William Sorrells: an American farmer and politician who served as a Representative in the state of Oregon from1936 to 1946 and 1955 to 1959.
- Bernard Sorrells: an American race car driver who competed in multiple car racing leagues from the 1940s to the early 1960s.
- Carter Sorrells: an American country music artist who released multiple albums in the 1970s and 1980s.
- Nick Sorrells: an American actor who has appeared in several films and television series since the late 1990s.
- Roy Sorrells: an American architect who designed multiple buildings in the state of Florida in the late 20th century.
- Norman Sorrells: an American jazz musician and composer, known for his work in the swing and blues genres.
- Christopher Sorrells: an American baseball player who played in the minor leagues from 2004 to 2008.