This unusual and interesting name is an English metonymic occupational surname for someone who either grew and\or sold fennel. The derivation is from the Old English pre 7th Century "finugle" or "fenol", from the Latin "fenuculum". Fennel was widely cultivated for its qualities as a seasoning ingredient in sauces. The surname "Fennell" can also derived from a medieval topographical name for someone who lived near an area where the herb was grown. It could also have been a nickname for someone who had a particular liking for fennel and used it frequently.
London church recordings include, one Issabell, Fennell, who was christened on April 7th 1554 at St. Mary Magdalene, Bermondsey, Robert son of John Fennill who was christened on March 14th 1592 at St. Dunstan's, Stepney, and Henry Fennell who married Margerie Lunnix on April 16th 1593 at St. Mary, Abchurch. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of William Fenigle, which was dated 1327, The Sussex Subsidy Rolls, during the reign of King Edward 111, Father of the Navy, 1327 - 1377. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.
Research into the possible origins of fennell leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname. We can try to trace the genealogy of the surname fennell, and in addition to the original locations of fennell, we can find out where people with the surname fennell can currently be found.
There is a considerable probability that fennell has crossed the borders of its place of origin to establish itself, to a greater or lesser extent, in other parts of the world. With all the information we have today, it can be said that the countries where fennell is most abundant are the following. The mobility of people carrying the surname fennell has led to its presence in different countries, as you can verify.
The deeds, the way of life, the places they lived, the family relationships they had, the jobs they held by those who were the first to be named fennell are found in every look back in the history of this lineage. The history, heraldry, coats of arms, and possible nobility of the surname fennell are scattered in documents across various regions and historical periods, so it is necessary to reconstruct a complex puzzle to approach the facts from a realistic perspective.
It is common for genealogy and surname enthusiasts to provide us with information of special value, so the data we offer about the origins of fennell could be modified. Please note that if you are in a position to provide more data about the surname fennell or any other surname and its origin, we would appreciate your collaboration with us by sending us information about the origin of fennell.
We assume that there have been significant contributions to humanity made by individuals with the surname fennell, even though not all have been documented to our present day. A surname like fennell can connect a person to an illustrious lineage and a distinguished coat of arms. However, it must be kept in mind that it is individual people who, through their lives and actions, bring fame and recognition to their surnames.
The bibliography collects information related to the surname fennell, which allows us to learn more about its meaning. We consider it highly advisable to refer to the following sources if you wish to conduct research on the surname fennell, as well as many other surnames.
These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of fennell, and at the same time, of surnames in general.