Surname Carnell - Meaning and Origin
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Carnell: What does the surname Carnell mean?
The surname Carnell is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is believed to have derived from an Old English personal name, "Cearnwealla," meaning "fortress." In some instances, it may also have originated from the Middle English "kernell" (kernel), used as a nickname for a small, hardy person, or from "kernal" in Old Cornish language meaning "corn hill," indicating a dweller by the hill where wheat was grown. There's also the possibility it was locational, relating to Carnell Green in Somerset, England. Like many surnames, exact origins can be hard to determine due to the evolution and migration of names over centuries. However, these are the most commonly accepted theories behind the meaning of the surname Carnell.
Order DNA origin analysisCarnell: Where does the name Carnell come from?
The surname Carnell is of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from an old English personal name Cyneric, which means "royal power". This name then evolved into Carnell in different areas of England over centuries. It appeared in old English chronicles in various forms including Cynric, Cenric, and Kinric. According to surname databases, the first recorded spelling of the family name dates back to the 12th century in Wiltshire, England. The surname also has an unfortunate association with the Black Death in 1348, as many bearers of the name Carnell perished in the epidemic.
Today, the surname Carnell is quite common in the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States. In the UK, the highest concentration of people with this name can be found in the Midlands region of England and in South Wales. In recent years, the popularity of the surname has also grown through migration to Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa. It is worth noting that, like many other surnames, the distribution of Carnell surname is subject to historical migration patterns and demographic changes.
Variations of the surname Carnell
The surname Carnell has several variants, spellings and names of the same origin. Some of these include Carnel, Carnal, Carnall, Carneal, Carnelle, Carnelle, Carnile, and Carnal.
Carnell is thought to have originated from the Old French term "charnel" which referred to a place where dead human bodies were stored. It may have been an occupational name for someone who worked at a charnel house. In some cases, it might have originated from the Old French personal name "Carnel", a diminutive of "charnel".
Other possible surnames of the same origin can include Carne, Carn, Carneil and Carneille. These are primarily based on the root words and derivations associated with the original name.
However, it's important to remember that the exact origins and derivatives of surnames can often be difficult to trace, due to changes in spelling and language over time, as well as regional influences and variations. Surnames can also sometimes be influenced by other factors, such as a person's job, physical characteristics, or location.
Famous people with the name Carnell
- Brian Carnell: He is an American web developer and science fiction writer known for his online publication work.
- Peter Carnell: An accomplished Australian businessman, he served as the chairman of several companies.
- Andrew Carnell: He was the first premier of Newfoundland from 1924-1928, before Newfoundland and Labrador became a province of Canada.
- Jenny Carnell: A popular British actress known for her roles in "Dear John" and "Ruth Rendell Mysteries".
- Nigel Carnell: A British actor who primarily worked in the 1970s.
- Stirling Carnell: An American stage and film actor who appeared in movies throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
- David Carnell: Known in the e-sports world as a professional British video gamer.
- Fred Carnell: A professional footballer who played for Sheffield United in the English Football League.
- Sir George Carnell: Former Chairman of South West Water, he had a long career as a local government chief executive.
- Billy Carnell: South African cricketer who played for the national team in the early 1930s.
- John Carnell: British science fiction editor and author known for his work in various science fiction magazines and anthologies.