Surname Gamble - Meaning and Origin

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K. Gamble

Gamble: What does the surname Gamble mean?

The last name Gamble is of Old Norse origin and derived from the personal name Gamall which means old. The first recorded spelling of this family name is believed to be that of Ricardus Gambell in the year 1190, according to the "Pipe Rolls of Yorkshire", England. During the Middle Ages, it was a common practice to refer to a person by a nickname, often relating to personal characteristics, and it is possible that some bearers of the surname Gamble descended from an elder of a village or family.

Moreover, it was also quite common in the Middle Ages to adopt a last name that comes from a profession or trade. In that context, the name Gamble could potentially have evolved as an occupational surname for someone who was a professional gambler.

Like many surnames, the specific meaning and origin can vary based on geographical regions and evolution over time. Therefore, while we provide these potential meanings and origins, the exact lineage and history may vary for different families with the surname Gamble.

Gamble: Where does the name Gamble come from?

The surname Gamble is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old Norse personal name "Gamall," meaning "old." It was brought to England by Norse invaders during the Viking invasions, and subsequently adopted by the Anglo-Saxon communities. The name started to be used as a surname after the Norman Conquest in 1066, a common practice when surnames began to be formally recorded. Despite its origins in the British Isles, the surname Gamble has since dispersed and is now found in various countries worldwide. Today, it is most common in the United States, England, and Australia. It also has a significant presence in Canada, Scotland, and Northern Ireland due to the historical links of these countries with the UK.

Variations of the surname Gamble

The surname Gamble has origins in the British Isles, mostly in England, Scotland, and Ireland. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name Gamall which means old. Over the centuries, it has taken on many variant spellings due to differences in regional dialects and phonetic spellings, not to mention transcriptions errors. Some of these include Gambell, Gambill, Gammell, Gammill, Gumble, Gamblin, and Gamlin.

The surnames can be patronymic, turning into Gambleson or Gambles. There are also deviations such as Gambl, Gamblen and Gambol that appear in records. Some of these variants can be found across the world where descendants of Gamble ancestors emigrated, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

The name might also often be altered into a locational surname, such as Gamblesby from the place name in Cumberland, England. A rare spelling variation is Gamsby. These multifarious renditions of the surname Gamble further demonstrate how the historical development of a surname can create a wide array of spelling versions.

Famous people with the name Gamble

• Kenneth Gamble: American songwriter and record producer, known for his work in Philadelphia soul genre with Leon Huff.
• Ken Gamble: Australian rugby league footballer of the 1960s and '70s.
• Troy Gamble: Former professional ice hockey goaltender.
• Tony Gamble: Former Major League Baseball player.
• Richard Gamble: English professional footballer.
• Harry Gamble: American football AP player & coach who also served as president for Philadelphia Eagles.
• James Gamble: Irish-born American soap industrialist and co-founder of Procter & Gamble.
• Fiona Gamble: British retired long-distance runner.
• Greg Gamble: Former Australian rules footballer.
• Cecil Gamble: American heir, businessman, and philanthropist.
• John I. Gamble: Served as Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota.
• George Gamble: Former Major League Baseball pitcher.

Other surnames

GamblesGamblinGambling