Surname Bunnel - Meaning and Origin
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Bunnel: What does the surname Bunnel mean?
The surname Bunnel is of Anglo-Saxon origin, specifically derived from Old English. It is believed to be a locational name indicating a geographical origin or a topographical feature. In Old English, "bune" means "reed" and "hyll" means "hill". Thus, Bunnel could mean "hill covered with reeds" or "one who lived near a hill covered with reeds". It may have originally identified a person dwelling in or near such a place. Over time, people started using surnames for identification purposes, commonly passing them from one generation to the next, eventually becoming a familial identifier. Names can also evolve over time due to migration, evolving language, or clerical errors, potentially leading to variations in spelling. So, it's likely there could be variations of the name Bunnel.
Order DNA origin analysisBunnel: Where does the name Bunnel come from?
The last name Bunnel is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from the Old English word "bune," meaning "reed" or "grass," and the word "hyll," meaning "hill." Therefore, Bunnel likely originally referred to someone who lived near a hill where reeds or grasses grew. As with many other surnames, it comes from a name for a geographic feature, implying the family's location or occupation.
After the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, surnames became more common as a way to distinguish people with the same personal name, and the name Bunnel started to be used. This surname was first found in Yorkshire, England, before spreading to other parts of England and the British Isles.
Today, the surname Bunnel is not extremely common, but can be found in several places around the world due to migration and the spread of the English language. Most notably, it can be found in the United States, Canada, England, and Australia. Among these places, it is most prevalent in the United States, according to the Forebears surname database.
Variations of the surname Bunnel
The surname Bunnel has several variants and similar surnames that may also share the same or related origins. Some of these are Bunel, Bunell, Bonnell, Bonnel, Bonell, Bunnell, Bunnel, Binnell, and Binnel.
The surname is said to be possibly French or English in origin. In French, "Bonnel" could derive from the old French term "bon", meaning "good", and "el", a diminutive suffix. It could also relate to "bunel", a term for a small barrel or cask.
In England, variations of this surname, such as Bunnell or Bunnel, could derive from the Old English geographical term "bune", meaning "reed", and "hyll", meaning "hill" so someone who lived near a hill where reeds grew could bear this surname.
However, all these surnames have evolved over many centuries and may have different derivations and meanings in different countries and regions. For the most accurate origin and meaning, individual genealogical research is recommended.
Famous people with the name Bunnel
- Pauline Bunnell: Pauline Bunnell is not widely famous but recognized in the opera world. She is a soprano who has performed with several orchestras and at multiple concerts around the world.
- Dewey Bunnell: One of the more recognized names, American musician Dewey Bunnell is known as a founding member of the soft rock band America, famous for 1970s hits like "A Horse with No Name" and "Ventura Highway".
- Billy Bunnell: Billy R. Bunnell is another musician, noted as a guitarist and vocalist for the southern rock band Copperhead.
- Caroline T. Bunnell: Also popular in her field, Caroline T. Bunnell is a recognized historian, educator, and author.
- Brian Bunnell: An American journalist and publisher, Brian Bunnell is mainly known for his extensive work in various positions at Future US media company.
- Mike Bunnell: A former professional basketball player, Mike Bunnell played for the Idaho State Bengals during the 1970s. These are a few of the well-known or accomplished individuals having the surname Bunnell, although the name does not follow the usual trend of common celebrity surnames.