Surname Gamel - Meaning and Origin

Gamel: What does the surname Gamel mean?

The surname Gamel has its roots in ancient Scandinavian and Old Norse culture. It is derived from the Old Norse using the personal name "Gamall," which means "old" or "ancient." The name was often given as a nickname to a person who is wise beyond his years or has an old soul. There may also be a connection to Old English where the term "Gamel" also means "old." It has been used both as a personal name and a surname in various forms across countries like England, Scotland, and some Scandinavian countries. So, a person bearing the surname Gamel likely has ancestral connections tracing back to these regions. Please note that different sources might provide various interpretations of the name's meaning and its origins.

Gamel: Where does the name Gamel come from?

The last name Gamel is of Anglo-Saxon origin and it is derived from the ancient personal name "Gamel," which means "old" in Old Norse. The surname first emerged in Yorkshire, England, where the Gamel family held a family seat as Lords of the manor during the Norman conquest in the 11th century. Over the years, the name has seen several variations in its spelling, such as Gamell, Game, Games, Gamez, Gamall, and many others. Due to migrations and the passage of time, the surname has spread to various parts of the world. Today, Gamel is most commonly found in the United States, but it also can be found in England, Canada, and Australia.

Variations of the surname Gamel

The surname Gamel might have a Germanic or Scandinavian origin. It's believed to derive from the old Norse nickname Gamall meaning 'old' or 'aged'.

Alternative spellings for Gamel include Gamell, Gamels, Gamble, Gammell, and Gamell. These variants might occur due to different phonetic translations in different regions over time or due to clerical errors in record keeping.

Other variants could be based on Norman transliterations of the name, such as de Gamel or de Gamell.

Surnames that may share a common ancestry with Gamel or come from a similar root include Campbell (from the Gaelic 'cam beul' meaning 'crooked mouth'), Cama (from the Latin 'camera' meaning 'room' or 'chamber'), and Camel.

Some other variants such as Game, Games, Gambell, Gambles, and Gammels may also be related to Gamel, as these contain similar phonetic elements and may have evolved from the same root name.

Surname research often encounters challenges due to the change in spelling across regions and the passage of time. Therefore, while these are potential variants and origins, definitive genealogical connections would require more in-depth research.

Famous people with the name Gamel

• Ben Gamel: An American professional baseball outfielder who previously played for several teams in Major League Baseball like the New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners, and the Milwaukee Brewers.
• Mat Gamel: A former American professional baseball player, and the older brother of Ben Gamel.
• Ryan Gamel: A professional film editor.
• Stephen Gamel: An American army officer who fought during the Iraq War and received a Silver Star Medal for his courage on the battlefield.
• Greg Gamel: A former professional football player in the United States who played in the National Football League for the Denver Broncos during the 1980s.
• Brett Gamel: A nationally-acclaimed choreographer and dancer.
• Jim Gamel: A former professional baseball coach who worked with Major League Baseball teams.
• John Gamel: An American author and professor of English.
• Noah Gamel: An American actor known for his roles in notable TV shows such as 'Better Call Saul' and 'The Morning Show'.
• Gregory Gamel: An actor, known for "Run Hide Fight". However, it should be noted that the level of fame varies among the individuals listed.

Other surnames

Games