Surname Lytell - Meaning and Origin

Lytell: What does the surname Lytell mean?

The last name Lytell is an Anglicized form of the Scottish name Little, which was originally derived from a nickname for a person who was small in stature or the younger of two individuals bearing the same personal name. The term comes from the Middle English word "lytel," meaning small or less, and was used in the Middle Ages as a distinguishing epithet for the smaller or younger of two bearers of the same personal name. The surname Lytell has a long history in Great Britain, particularly in the areas of England, Scotland, and Wales. Over time, various spelling variations have developed, such as Lytle, Littel, and Litle, among others. The name has been present in the Americas since colonial times, coming over with early British settlers. Like many surnames, Lytell would have originally been bestowed based on a characteristic of an individual, which would then be passed down through subsequent generations.

Lytell: Where does the name Lytell come from?

The surname Lytell is of English origin, likely derived from the Old English term "lytel" which means "little" or "small." It was often given as a nickname in the Middle Ages to someone who was physically small or younger among siblings. This surname followed the pattern of Middle English surnames that originated from descriptive or occupational terms. As with many surnames, variations in spelling, such as Lytle and Little, are common due to changing linguistic practices over time.

Today, the surname is not particularly common, but it is mostly found in the United States, particularly in states like Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. It also exists to some extent in the United Kingdom, maintaining its ties with its English roots. The spread of this surname in the US can be traced back to European ancestors who migrated in the 17th and 18th centuries, and it has been carried down through generations.

Variations of the surname Lytell

The surname Lytell is of English origin. Though relatively uncommon, it has taken on many variants and spellings due to historical pronunciation practices and transcription errors. Here are a few examples of variants and similar surnames:

1. Lyttel

2. Lytelle

3. Little

4. Littel

5. Littell

6. Lytle

7. Litle

8. Lytall

9. Litel

10. Lyttell

11. Litele

12. Lyttle

13. Litell

14. Lytell

These variations occur often in surnames as they have traditionally been passed down orally. Changes can also result from the Anglicization of non-English names, or changes made by immigrants to make their names sound more 'English'.

There could also be other versions of the Lytell surname from different cultures, as surnames often adapt to the native languages and spelling conventions of the countries people emigrate to. Therefore, it's possible that more variants of the surname Lytell exist around the world.

To track and find the history and lineage of a surname, genealogical research or genetic ancestry services can be useful.

Famous people with the name Lytell

• George William Lytell: a World War I musical composer
• Moss Lyall: an Australian model
• Dan Lytell: an American actor
• David Lytell: an American actor
• Gordon Lytell: an American actor
• Robert Lytell: an American film director
• William T. Lytell: an American screenwriter
• Burgess Meredith: an American actor with the paternal surname Lytell
• Dennis Loewenheim: an American songwriter with the maternal surname Lytell
• Robert Lytell Marston: an American electrical engineer

Other surnames

Lytel