Surname Gomersall - Meaning and Origin

Gomersall: What does the surname Gomersall mean?

The surname Gomersall is of English origin and is said to be locational. It is derived from a place in the West Riding of Yorkshire called Gomersal, near the village of Liversedge. The name Gomersal can be translated to mean ‘Gomer’s Settlement’. According to records at the Guild of One-Name Studies, the earliest known record of the name dates back to the year 1282, when William de Gomersal appears in a document confirming an exchange between Robert de Tateshale and Peter de Lokton.

Since its introduction to England, the surname Gomersall has spread geographically, with families bearing the name having resided in various regions of the United Kingdom, including Yorkshire, Merseyside, Essex, and Hertfordshire. It can also be found in the United States of America, Canada, and Australia.

The motto for the Gomersall family is ‘Vigilate’, which translates as ‘Be Watchful’ in Latin. This is likely a reference to the families’ English roots as, historically, vigilance was very important in a time of often-volatile political unrest. The pronunciation of Gomersall is generally given as 'GOM-er-sal'.

Gomersall: Where does the name Gomersall come from?

The last name Gomersall is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in the historic counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire. According to the 1891 UK Census, the highest concentration of the name was in a small village then known as Gomersal, in West Yorkshire.

The name Gomersall is known to have originated from this village, with families that had settled there taking the name in order to identify themselves with the area. As with many other surnames, those who had the name Gomersall would eventually spread and settle in other areas across the UK.

In modern times, there is a small village in West Yorkshire called Gomersal, which is near the cities of Leeds and Bradford, and many people here will have the name Gomersall. Other parts of Yorkshire, such as the North York Moors and other market towns, as well as some parts of Lancashire, Manchester, and London have also seen the name appear.

Additionally, it is possible to find Gomersalls in other countries today. Due to historical migration, the name can be found in some parts of the United States of America, Australia, and Canada. Furthermore, with increased immigration in the modern day, the name Gomersall is likely to be found in various other countries around the world.

Variations of the surname Gomersall

The surname Gomersall is a variant of the surname Gomersal, which is believed to have originated in the town of Gomersal, located near Leeds in West Yorkshire, England. It is a topographical surname derived from the Old English words "Gumaer" meaning "man" and "Dael" meaning "valley", which, when combined, denote a "valley of the man".

Variants of the surname Gomersall include Gomersall, Gomersale, Gommersall, Gomershall, Gombsall, Gummerson, Gomery, Gummerall, Gumeral, Gulmerson, Gomerson, and Gomisall. Alternate spellings include Gomershal, Gomershull, and Gomersol.

The surname Gomersall is commonly associated with Irish family names, such as Gomes, Gomesler, Gomley, and Gomerley, which are also topographical surnames derived from the Old Norse words "guma" and "dal", meaning "valley dweller".

Some of the earliest surname bearers can be found in records dating as far back as the 12th century. These include John de Gomershalo, an English prebendary in Lancashire, and Robert Gomondeale, who was recorded in County Durham in 1236. The Gomersall coat of arms, featuring three blue boars' heads on a golden shield, was granted to William Gomersall of Yorkshire in 1613.

Throughout the centuries, individuals who bore the Gomersall surname have spread throughout Britain and beyond to other countries, such as America, Canada, and Australia. Today, Gomersall remains a fairly common surname amongst these countries, as well as amongst those in Denmark, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Famous people with the name Gomersall

• James Gomersall: a professional actor who has starred in various British television series such as Scott & Bailey, My Family, and Midsomer Murders.
• Simon Gomersall: a prominent British celebrity hairstylist, having styled the likes of renowned supermodel Naomi Campbell and actress Kate Moss.
• Jodie Gomersall: a British professional dancer who has trained and performed with world-leading ballet companies, including the Royal Ballet.
• Matthew Gomersall: a renowned UK-based music producer and sound engineer, who has collaborated with world-famous acts such as Marvin Gaye and The Rolling Stones.
• Tom Gomersall: a British television presenter and broadcaster, who has fronted shows such as the popular ITV game show The Chase.
• Paul Gomersall: a former British cyclist and Olympic competitor, who achieved success in the 1998 Commonwealth Games.
• Linda Gomersall: a businesswoman and politician who served as UK Child Poverty Minister in the 1990s.
• Anne Gomersall: a renowned British opera singer, known to have gained international acclaim during the 1950s and 1960s.
• Christopher Gomersall: a successful athlete and former British record holder in the Men’s 400m hurdles.
• Sarah Gomersall: a prominent British entrepreneur, known for founding the luxury fashion house Fenn Wright Manson in 1984.

Other surnames

Gomersal