Surname Gunnels - Meaning and Origin
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Gunnels: What does the surname Gunnels mean?
The last name Gunnels derives from the Olde English word "Gunel". According to surname historian William Bahlow, Gunel is an uncommon but distinctive surname sometimes found in England, Scotland, and Wales. The name has several early sources, including a region of land in the English county of Surrey and a medieval personal name found in records of the twelfth century.
The original meaning of the name is uncertain. It is likely derived from a combination of two Olde English words, "gunel" meaning little and "stan" meaning stone. This suggests the name may have originated from a village known as "Little Stone". Alternatively, the meaning might simply refer to a "little man" and might refer to a person of stature or low status; this is supported by its appearance in England records as a personal name in the twelfth century.
The surname was often spelled Gunnill, Gunelle, Gunill, and Guynell during the medieval era. Over time, the name has been variedly spelled in different languages and dialects around the world. Recently, examples of the surname appear with spellings Gunnels, Gunilsen, Gonyez, Gunnells, Golitha, and Gunnelius.
While the surname Gunnels may not be that common, its original English roots offer insight into its likely origins, as well as a glimpse into the medieval era. Its unpredictable spellings across history also represent the ever-changing nature of languages and surnames over time.
Order DNA origin analysisGunnels: Where does the name Gunnels come from?
The last name Gunnels is most commonly found in the United States today, particularly in densely populated states like Texas and Tennessee. In both states, roughly 0.2 percent of the population share the surname.
The origins of the moniker trace back to heritage sites across the country; specifically, the Gunnels family line was first found in Pennsylvania, then went through Alabama and Marshall county, Mississippi, then planted roots in western Tennessee and central Texas.
Genealogists have also determined that this surname is most closely associated with the English last name “Gonnell.” This name appears on the earliest records dating back to the 1400s, when England was still a harsh and untamed landscape.
In America, the Gunnels family tree has spread throughout the south and the midwest. In states like Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Missouri; nearly all Gunnels’ that currently live in these areas can trace their roots to the earliest Gunnels line.
The Gunnels’ were known for their loyalty, hard work ethic, and perseverance; oftentimes taking jobs that were punishing and arduous. This led to many branches of the family becoming successful farmers, ranchers, and landowners. To this day; many of the Gunnels families have managed to maintain much of their original heritage and traditional values.
Variations of the surname Gunnels
The variant spellings of the surname Gunnels are Gannell, Gannells, Gennell, Gennells, Genails, Gunell, and Gunnill. It is possible that some or all of these spellings have descendants with different surnames, such as Gannon, Gannaway, and Gunnel.
The Gunnels surname is of Norman origin and is derived from the personal name Wido or Guy. Guy was a popular Norman Christian name, and it is possible some people named after him shortened the name to Gunn or Gun. In addition, Gunnell is thought to have also derived from the Old French word “gonnelle”, a reference to a rabbit’s tail. Becoming Gunnel over time.
The spellings Gannell and Gannells are variations of the personal name, William, whilst Gennell, Gennells, and Gunell are an Anglicised version of the Old French name Guinail. Genails is believed to be derived from the Middle English word “genayle”, meaning to scold.
The Gunnels family first appears in written records in County Lincolnshire in the 12th century, where a knight by the name of Godeschal Gunnels was mentioned in records from 1202. Other recordings include William Gunells listed in the Norfolk Poll Tax Rolls of 1379.
In the US, the spelling tends to be Gunnill, and there are numerous immigrant families from Scotland, England, and Ireland, whose surname is spelled this way. Some of these families may also have the Gannon, Gannaway of Gunnel surname variations.
Famous people with the name Gunnels
- Savannah Gunnels: actress, most famous for appearing in Jurassic World and Stranger Things
- Michelle Gunnels: former professional basketball player, member of the 2002 United States Women’s National Basketball team
- Stacey Gunnels: former senior basketball coach at the University of Iowa
- Charles Gunnels: retired professional baseball player, and former scout for the Detroit Tigers
- Kenneth Gunnels: former American football player who played as a wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers
- Lawrence Gunnels: retired American professional wrestler and mixed martial artist
- Michael Gunnels: former Major League Baseball pitcher
- Pete Gunnels: professional volleyball player, winner of two consecutive MVP awards in the 2019 Italian Men's Volleyball League
- Robert L. Gunnels: former United States Air Force brigadier general
- Ryan Gunnels: former NFL defensive lineman, current wellness consultant