Surname Twitchell - Meaning and Origin

Twitchell: What does the surname Twitchell mean?

The surname Twitchell is of English origin and derives from Old English elements meaning “twegen” meaning “twig” and “ceorl” meaning “courier” or “porter.” It was likely an occupational name for someone who carried messages along paths or trails with twigs. The name Twitchell likely originated in the 13th century when surnames first developed in England and can be found in records dating back to 1327. The Twitchell family was found in Wessex, located in the southern part of England.

The Twitchell name saw the most success in Yorkshire in the 17th century. Descendents of the Twitchell family moved to America in 1635, settling in Massachusetts. In the early 19th century, the Twitchells migrated to other parts of the United States such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Later, some branches moved to Canada.

Today, the Twitchells are a global diaspora, with many tracing their roots back to England, Europe, and, of course, America. The Twitchell name continues to carry on its original meaning of “courier” and “porter” as family members become activists, educators, entrepreneurs, and inspire others around the world.

Twitchell: Where does the name Twitchell come from?

The last name Twitchell is most commonly found in the United States. According to the Social Security Administration, the last name Twitchell is the 7flags-nationth most common last name in the United States. It is also found in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

The origin of the name Twitchell is English, from the place-name Twitchel, which is found in Derbyshire, England. The name Twitchell is believed to derive from the Olde English words tiwen, meaning small and cheol, meaning a bend or corner. The name could have also been derived from the Middle English word tichel, which means a tile or small piece of baked clay.

In the United States, the last name Twitchell is most populous in Massachusetts, with the highest concentration of the last name in Gloucester, Massachusetts. The last name is also quite common in Rhode Island and Vermont.

The Twitchell surname is famous in the United States for being the last name of U.S. Senator Edmund S. Twitchell. Twitchell served as a Congressman for Rhode Island from 1865-1871.

Today, the last name Twitchell is most common in the United States, though it is also found in other countries with large English-speaking populations.

Variations of the surname Twitchell

The surname Twitchell is derived from Old English and can be traced back to the Anglo-Saxon pre-7th century. The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the Twitchell surname are as follows:

Twitchell: This is the most commonly used spelling of the Twitchell surname and was first recorded in the United States during the 18th century.

Twitchel: This spelling of the Twitchell surname was most likely derived from the nickname for one who was associated with a twitchel, otherwise known as a small body of water.

Twichell: Another spelling of the same origin, Twichell is believed to be a variation of the Twitchell surname and originated in the United States.

Twitchelle: This spelling variant is an English derivative of the Twitchell surname. It is believed to be a variation with the addition of the French suffix “elle”.

Twitchells: The Twitchells surname is derived from the Twitchell family name and indicates a close familial relationship between two or more people bearing the same last name.

Twitchels: A variation of the Twitchells surname, Twitchels is believed to be another nickname for Twitchell, denoting a small body of water.

Twitcheller: Most likely an English variation, the Twitcheller surname is derived from the Twitchell family name and is used to denote a close familial relationship.

Twitchelles: This spelling variant is an addition of the French suffix “elles” to the Twitchell surname. It is believed to be an English derivative of the Twitchell family name.

Tweichol: The Tweichol name is believed to have been derived from the Twitchell surname and is most likely a variant with a Dutch influence.

Twitchellere: This spelling of the same name origin adds the French suffix “ellere” to the Twitchell surname. It was most likely a variation used in England as an indication of familial closeness.

Twitchellen: An English derivative, Twitchellen adds the French suffix “ellen” to the Twitchell family name. This surname was most likely used to indicate a close familial relationship.

Famous people with the name Twitchell

• Jay S. Twitchell: Artist, Architect and Designer who pioneered 20th century car design.
• Frederick Twitchell: Doctor, writer and public health advocate from New Hampshire.
• Miles Twitchell: 19th century American academic professor who taught Spanish literature at University of California.
• Carrie Twitchell: 19th-century American author and illustrator, best known for her children’s books.
• William Twitchell: Signer of the United States' Declaration of Independence, representing Delaware.
• Phyllis Twitchell: Notable American actress, best remembered for her portrayal of Rose in Little House on the Prairie.
• David Twitchell: Early 20th-century American architect and designer, pioneer of Art Deco design in the United States.
• Alden Twitchell: American minister, educator and author in New Hampshire, best known for his works on Christian sermon.
• Sarah Sparks Twitchell: American fiction author whose romantic stories were set in turn-of-the-century New England.
• Philip Twitchell: Founder of The American Museum of Women in Business, a nonprofit to promote women in business.

Other surnames

Twitchel