Surname Pennell - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'P'
Pennell: What does the surname Pennell mean?
Pennell is an English surname that has its root in the Old English personal name "Pinel," which could also possibly derive from the Old French “Poinel,” a diminutive of "Point." Its use as a surname most likely started as a way to refer to someone who was the son of Pinnel, or to identify individuals coming from a location known for its "pin hill." The name spread across England following the Norman Conquest in 1066. It has various spellings including Pennell, Pinnell, and Pennill among others. Like many surnames, the exact meaning can vary and can be influenced by a variety of factors including occupation, location, and parentage. However, these interpretations provide a general understanding of the origin of the surname Pennell.
Order DNA origin analysisPennell: Where does the name Pennell come from?
Today, the last name Pennell is most commonly found within the United States of America. According to records from the US census of 2019, there are about 13,844 people who have Pennell as a last name. The most common areas of residence include Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Michigan, New York and Texas. Pennell is a geographically widespread family name within the U.S. with most descendants having a long and varied history in the region. It is likely that the family's surname derives from the British Isles where it's popularity is still seen today.
The Pennell family is documented in British records as early as the 16th century. During this period, the family is recorded in the Staffordshire region in Middle England, a region where it still has a presence today. Pennell is an old and well-established surname within the British Isles, and it has many members scattered throughout these lands.
In the United States, the surname Pennell has undergone a series of migrations and urban warning which has spread the family name across the continent. With over 13,844 Americans bearing this last name, it is likely that there are many people of the Pennell name living in North America today. The name is sure to continue to be propagated and live on, thus perpetuating the legacy of the Pennell family.
Variations of the surname Pennell
The surname Pennell is of Anglo-Saxon (English) origin, and is derived from the Olde English pre 7th century word "pennel", which meant a little end or point. It has a number of variant spellings, including Penel, Penell, Penils, Penallas, Penniles, Pennilesse, Pennele, Pennill, Pennils, Pennilsse, and Penolas. In some cases, the name was Latinized as Pennella, Pennelea, Penneley, Pennely, Pennella, and Phennel. It is also common for the name to be confused with the French name Penelle.
The surname Pennell is common across the United Kingdom and can be traced back to multiple locations in England. Variations of the name can particularly be found in Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cornwall.
Pennell may also be seen as part of combinations of surnames, such as Stone-Pennell, Pennington-Pennell, or Petty-Pennell. In addition, Pennell is a common patronymic surname, created from the given name of the father. The given name "Pen" or "Penn" could have been used in the creation of patronymic surnames in past centuries, and these names could appear as either Penel, Pennell or Pinnell.
In America, variations of the Pennell surname have become popular, particularly Penny, Pinel, Pinon, Pinnele, and Pennywell, to name a few. These variants can be found all around the United States, however, it has been noted that the highest concentration of Pennell is found in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions.
Overall, individuals who carry the name of Pennell have descended from a variety of countries and ethnic backgrounds, yet all share the same Anglo-Saxon origin.
Famous people with the name Pennell
- Elliott Pennell: Elliott Pennell is a former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1980s. He played at club level for the Leeds Rhinos in the Rugby Football League, as a Second-row, prop, or loose forward.
- Edward W. Pennell: Edward W. Pennell is a professor in the department of communication at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar in Germany. His expertise lies in the field of media and communication studies with a focus on applied rhetoric.
- Joseph Pennell: Joseph Pennell was an American artist and author who was best known for his newspaper illustrations, paintings, and prints. He was also active as a teacher and served as the art director of the Philadelphia Art Museum from 1908-1911.
- Meek Mill: Meek Mill is an American rapper, songwriter, and activist from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He first gained recognition in 2008, when he released the mixtape Flamers. He has since released three studio albums and has been featured on several popular singles.
- Justin Pennell: Justin Pennell is a former professional soccer player who played in Major League Soccer from 2000 to 2004. He was a member of the Columbus Crew from 2000 to 2003, and the New England Revolution during his final season in 2004.
- Philip E. Pennell: Philip E. Pennell is a philosopher, poet, and theologian. He is the editor of the book Reconciliation and Hope: New Testament Essays on Atonement and Eschatology, and an award-winning author of several books, including After Adam: Race, Creativity and the Christian Imagination.
- Angela Pennell: Angela Pennell is an American actor and comedian. She is best known for her roles in the television series House of Lies and The Bernie Mac Show, and has also appeared in films such as Lost and Found, Valentine's Day, and Uncle Uncle.