Surname Harrel - Meaning and Origin
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Harrel: What does the surname Harrel mean?
The surname Harrel is of English origin and is derived from the Old English personal name "Hereweald", which is composed of the elements "here" meaning army and "weald" meaning rule. So, Harrell can be interpreted as 'ruler of the army.' It must also be noted that this surname has several variant spellings, including Harrell, Harrold, Harold, and others. Over the centuries, it's become a common surname in many English-speaking countries. The use of last names in Europe and certain other parts of the world began largely in the Middle Ages, often based on occupation, location, or a personal characteristic. It is common for last names to change over time in spelling and pronunciation. The surname Harrel, in its multiple forms, was adopted by families in England initially before spreading to other parts of the British Isles, and subsequently to other parts of the world through exploration, trade, and colonization.
Order DNA origin analysisHarrel: Where does the name Harrel come from?
The last name Harrel is of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from the personal names Hereweald or Hereald, which were made up of the elements "here" (meaning army) and "weald" (meaning rule). It can also be considered a variant of the names Harold or Harrell. Over time, it became a surname passed down through generations.
The earliest records of the Harrel surname come from the county of Norfolk in East Anglia, England, in the 11th century. During the Great Migration in the 17th century, many surnames including Harrel spread to other English-speaking territories such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Today, the Harrel surname remains common in these regions. In the United States, it is most prevalent in the southern states, particularly Texas, California, and Florida. However, due to further migration and globalization, the surname can now be found among individuals worldwide.
Variations of the surname Harrel
The surname Harrel is of English origin and is often used in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and parts of Europe. The name bore from the common first name Harold or the Old English name Hereweald, meaning "army leader".
There are various spellings and variants for the surname Harrel including Harrell, Harrold, Harrel, Harold, Harell, Herrel, Herold, and Herrold among others. The changes in spelling often results from phonetic transcriptions over the centuries and the geographical dispersion of families carrying the name. The name Harrel could also have descended from Harral, Harle, or Harl, originating from different places in England and France.
As for surnames of the same origin, Harroll, Harrold, and Harold are some options. These variations often represent regional inflections and personal preferences through history. Names like Haral, Haril, Harrol, Harul, Haril, Heraill, Herail, Heril, Herul, and Herol are less common but also stem from the same origin.
Also, note that the surname Harrel can be found with different endings, such as Harralson, Harrelson, or Harrollson, reflecting 'son of Harrel'. All these variants have been developed to signify descendants of the original bearer of the surname Harrel.
Famous people with the name Harrel
- Chris Harrel: Also known as Ch Harrel, he is a popular American entrepreneur, and motivational speaker.
- Joe Harrel: An American actor known for his roles in intense thriller and action films.
- Scott Harrel: A widely known journalist from the United States who covers economic and political issues.
- David Harrel: An influential British historian and scholar known for his contributions in the field of European history.
- Emma Harrel: Famous in the United Kingdom as a talented TV presenter and actress.
- Lauren Harrel: An American singer and songwriter recognized for her rich, soulful voice.
- Steve Harrel: Also known as "DJ Steve Harrel," he is a popular disc jockey from the United States.
- Julia Harrel: An accomplished British author known for her historical fiction novels set in medieval England.
- Brian Harrel: An influential Canadian business executive renowned for his contributions to the tech industry.
- Mary Harrel: Known for her years of service as a Chief Nursing Officer in the United States. Please note that some of these people may not be globally famous but are well-known in their respective fields or countries.