Surname Pencille - Meaning and Origin

Pencille: What does the surname Pencille mean?

The last name Pencille is generally thought to have originated in France. It is derived from the French word "pencille" (pronounced "pen-seel"), meaning "pointed," which was used to refer to someone who was considered to be sharp-witted or clever. The surname is likely an occupational name, with those who bore it likely having been tradesmen, barbers, or perhaps tailors.

The name Pencille has since spread across the world, most notably to the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada. It has been subject to various spellings, including Pencill, Pinchell, and Penzell.

Throughout its history, the name Pencille has been associated with intelligence, wit, and wisdom. As a result, it is a favored surname among those seeking to honor their ancestors' or family's accomplishments. Furthermore, the name's etymological connection to the pointed or "sharp" is featured in many other similar-sounding family names such as Pincelle and Puzzilli.

In sum, the surname Pencille is derived from the French word "pencille" and generally referred to someone who was considered to be sharp-witted or clever. Such associations with intelligence and wit has made it a favored name among those seeking to honor their family's accomplishments.

Pencille: Where does the name Pencille come from?

The last name Pencille is common today in several countries throughout the world. In France, Pencille is one of the most common surnames, with approximately 48,000 people carrying this last name. In the United States, the last name is less common, but can be found in various regions, with California having the highest concentration of Pencilles. This detail can be found when investigating the US census data.

In South America, particularly in Peru, Pencille is a quite common name. In Spanish speaking countries such as Paraguay, Chile, and Venezuela, Pencille is also a popular last name. A population record from Venezuela, in fact, identifies Pencille as one of the most commonly found last names in the country with around 11,000 people using this surname.

In the Philippines, Pencille is very common, ranking as the 516th most popular surname in the nation. Finally, Pencille is a widely used surname in parts of East Africa. Mauritius, Kenya, and Tanzania all have numerous pencilles living in those countries.

Though its origins have yet to be definitively identified, Pencille is a popular surname around the world, with records and history dating back several centuries. Today, it can be found in various parts of the globe, with the countries of France, Peru, Venezuela, the Philippines, and countries in East Africa having especially high concentrations of people bearing this name.

Variations of the surname Pencille

The surname Pencille is a unique name, with a variety of alternative spellings and variants found in different countries and regions. Some of the most common variations of Pencille are Pencile, Pencilli, Penzale, Penzille and Penzill.

In England, variants of the name Pencille were first found in Derbyshire in the 1500s. It has been postulated that the name Pencille is derived from the Latin ‘pencillus’, meaning ‘small brush’.

In Italy, variants of Pencille are Pencili, Penzale and Penzill. These were most likely derived from the Latin peniculus (brush) or pincelle (little brush). The popularity of the name in this part of the world is due to the fame achieved by the Penzill family. The Duke and Duchess of Penzill were prominent figures in the late 1500s. The family moved to France in the 1600s and the spelling changed to Pencilli.

In France, variants of Pencille are Pencile, Pencilli and Pencilles. The name Pencilles was particularly popular in Caen and the surrounding region. It has been suggested that the name was first taken on by someone who made their living from creating or repairing brushes in the area.

In the United States, the name Pencille is relatively unusual. However, variants such as Pencill, Pencile and Penzill can still be found in some states.

Overall, Pencille is a name that has defied geography and changed over time. Although there are many variations, all are derivatives of the Latin words for brush. The surname Pencilles is still held by families in various countries around the world today.

Famous people with the name Pencille

• Peter Pencille: Actor, known for his work on the television series The Middleman and Mac and Wild.
• Gene Pencille: veteran American actor, voice-over artist and comedian.
• Darian Pencille: professional dancer and choreographer who has appeared on multiple television programs.
• Guillaume Pencille: French actor known for his performances in television, theatre and film.
• Isabel Pencille: American actress and singer, most recently seen in the television series Glee.
• Mona Pencille: British singer-songwriter, known for her debut album Little Times, released in 2013.
• Mike Pencille: American musician, drummer for the punk-rock band Bernie Falls.
• Warren Pencille: renowned British sculptor, best known for his ambitious public installations.
• Jane Pencille: Danish visual artist who has displayed her work in prestigious galleries around the world.
• Manoel Pencille: award-winning Brazilian photographer, famous for his series of people in everyday situations.

Other surnames

PencilPencill