Surname Zell - Meaning and Origin
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read moreZell: What does the surname Zell mean?
The last name Zell is likely of German origin, and can have several meanings depending on the region of origin. In some regions, it can be derived from the Middle High German word “zelle”, meaning “cell” or “hall”; in this case it could refer to a dwelling or a certain dwelling within a larger complex. In other regions, the name may be derived from a personal name such as “Zelmus”; it could have its origin in various words referring to strength and power, making it suitable for a family of warriors or landlords. Additionally, it could also originate from Middle High German “zellin”, meaning “victory”, or “vellin”, meaning “rule”, indicating that the lineage was perhaps of some importance.
In contemporary times, those who bear the Zell surname can trace their roots to any of the regions in which it originated, although it is more common in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands. The name itself has remained fairly unchanged from its medieval roots, and is still a popular surname in Germany. As such, those who are familiar with the name can clearly ascertain its German origin and the respectability it is associated with.
Order DNA origin analysisZell: Where does the name Zell come from?
The surname Zell is a German name descended from the Middle High German word “zelle,” meaning “small room or cell.” Today, the surname Zell is commonly found in Germany, the United States, and Canada, primarily in areas that were historically heavily populated by German immigrants.
In the United States, the Zell family name is mostly concentrated in the Midwest and parts of the Northeast. In the Midwest, you can find a high concentration of the Zell surname in the states of Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and Ohio. These states were all historically popular destinations for German immigrants, many of whom bore the Zell surname. In addition, the Zell name is fairly common in parts of the Northeast, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York.
In Canada, the Zell surname is mostly concentrated in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia. In Ontario, the highest concentrations of the Zell surname are located in the cities of Ottawa and Toronto. In British Columbia, the Zell surname is mainly found in the Vancouver area.
In Germany, the Zell surname is quite common in the states of Rhineland-Palatinate and Baden-Württemberg. The highest concentration of this name is found in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, particularly in and around the cities of Mainz and Koblenz. The city of Freiburg in Baden-Württemberg is also an area with a fairly high number of people who carry the Zell surname.
Variations of the surname Zell
The surname Zell is most likely of Old German origin, derived from two elements: “cello” or “selo”, meaning cell or room, and “nor” meaning host, stranger or dweller. The name has different spellings and variants, making it a unique family name. Some of the most common derivatives of Zell are Cell, Seil, Zelles, Zeller, Zillo, Zillio, and Zillow.
In the United States, Zell is a Jewish surname that is more recently associated with Russian, Polish, and German immigrants. It is most commonly seen with the spelling Cell or Zeller in the United States. The variants of the surname in Europe tend to vary from country to country, including Seel, Sel, Sell, Zelle, Ziell, and Zille. In the United Kingdom, the variant Sell is more commonly used. In Australia and New Zealand, Zill and Zillow are common surnames.
In Germany, the surnames Sell, Seil, and Zell were found in the early 1300s. The earliest known recordings of the name date back to 1418 when Heinrich Zelle of Heidelberg was mentioned in Frankfurt. The name is found all over Europe, with a concentration in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Liechtenstein.
Zell is one of the oldest and widely spread surnames in the world. It is a unique name that has many spellings and variants. Variants of the name Zell are found all over the world, and it continues to be a popular surname today.
Famous people with the name Zell
- Ted Zell: Investment Banker
- Frank Zell: Multimedia Designer
- Zell Miller III: Politician, former US Senator
- Robert Zell: American lawyer and Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court
- Joel Zell: Businessman & Real Estate Magnate
- Lawrence Zell: Businessman, Venture Capitalist and Philanthropist
- Tony Zell: YouTuber, TV Host and Comedian
- Marshal Zell: Former Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives
- Rabbi Irving Zell: Chaplain of the United States Senate
- Günther Zell: German Physicist
- Mark Zell: Jewish Activist
- James Zell: Actor & Film Producer
- John Zell: Entrepreneur & Musician
- Jacob Zell: Investment Banker
- Natan Zell: Israeli Singer
- Ida Zell: Economist & Manager of Nobel Prize
- Dr. Vincent Zell: Cardiologist
- Laura Zell: Visual Artist
- Dave Zell: Sports Broadcaster & Creator of Sports Radio
- Dr. Joel Zell: Cardiologist & Medical Professor