Bell Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Bell come from? What does the surname Bell mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Bell and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Bell Origin: What does the last name Bell mean?
Bell is a common surname in English-speaking countries with various origins. It likely started as an occupational name for a bell ringer or bell maker, or as a topographic name for someone living near a bell or a house sign. The surname Bell can also be derived from the medieval personal name Bel, meaning "handsome" or a nickname meaning "beautiful" or "fair." It can be traced back to placenames in Norway and Germany as well. Today, the surname Bell is widely distributed globally, with a significant presence in the United States and Scotland.
According to YourRoots data, the surname Bell has a long history in the United Kingdom, dating back to the medieval period. The name saw a significant increase in records in the United States from the 16th century onwards, surpassing its presence in the UK by the 17th century. The Bell surname has spread to various countries worldwide, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, and France. It reflects a diverse heritage and continues to be prevalent in different regions and cultures to this day.
Bell Last Name History: Where did the last name Bell come from?
Origin of Bell Surname: Where does the last name Bell originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the earliest record of the surname Bell appears in Scotland, United Kingdom around the early 14th century. Keep in mind, this is only in reference to YourRoots data for the exact ‚Äö"Bell" spelling, and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Bell: What does the Bell surname history look like in the early days?
Throughout the 14th and 15th centuries, the ‚Äö"Bell" surname was most frequently recorded in the United Kingdom, specifically in Scotland and England. From the 16th century onwards, YourRoots data indicates a significant increase in the frequency of Bell surname records in the United States. While earlier records were primarily concentrated in the United Kingdom, the data suggests a gradual shift towards the United States over time.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Bell surname today?
By the 16th century, the volume of records with the Bell surname had grown significantly in the United States, eventually surpassing the United Kingdom by the 17th century. This trend continued into the 18th and 19th centuries, indicating a prominent presence of the Bell surname in the United States. Despite this, the ‚Äö"Bell" surname is not exclusive to these regions and can be found in numerous countries worldwide. It has been recorded in a variety of countries, including but not limited to the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Germany, and France.
Explore Bell last name heritage and Bell surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Bell Surame?
Kristen Bell
Kristen Anne Bell (July 18, 1980 - ) is an American actress, singer, and producer known for her roles in popular TV series like "Veronica Mars," "The Good Place," and "Gossip Girl." She has also voiced Princess Anna in Disney's "Frozen" franchise. Bell's career has spanned stage productions, Broadway musicals, and a variety of film genres, showcasing her versatility as a performer. With a knack for both comedic and dramatic roles, Bell has become a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, captivating audiences with her talent and charm.
Angellica Bell
Angellica Bell (born Mar 24, 1976) is a British television and radio presenter known for her work on CBBC, including shows like Xchange and 50/50. She won Celebrity MasterChef in 2017 and has appeared on various TV programs like The One Show and Celebrity Big Brother. Bell is also a former co-host of The Martin Lewis Money Show and has participated in reality shows like Born to Shine and 71 Degrees North. With a diverse career spanning from kids' shows to adult programming, Bell continues to be a prominent figure in British media.
Jamie Bell
Andrew James Matfin Bell (born Mar 14, 1986) is an English actor known for his breakthrough role in "Billy Elliot" (2000) and as the Thing in "Fantastic Four" (2015). He also starred in "The Adventures of Tintin" (2011) and "Rocketman" (2019). Bell earned critical acclaim for his performances in "Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool" (2017) and as Abraham Woodhull in "Turn: Washington's Spies" (2014-2017). With a diverse filmography spanning from drama to sci-fi, Bell has solidified himself as a versatile actor in both film and television.
Drake Bell
Jared Drake Bell (born June 27, 1986) is an American actor and musician known for his roles in popular Nickelodeon shows like Drake & Josh and The Amanda Show. Bell also voiced Peter Parker/Spider-Man in Ultimate Spider-Man and has released several successful albums. With a background in acting and music, Bell has won numerous Kids' Choice Awards and continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Alexander Graham Bell
Alexander Graham Bell (March 3, 1847 - August 2, 1922) was a Scottish-born Canadian-American inventor, scientist, and engineer known for patenting the first practical telephone. He co-founded AT&T and made significant contributions to optical telecommunications, hydrofoils, and aeronautics. Bell's interest in heredity led to groundbreaking studies, earning him recognition in nineteenth-century America. Despite his fame as a scientist, he had a talent for art and music, mastering the piano and entertaining guests with voice tricks. Bell's work on hearing and speech was influenced by his deaf mother, leading to innovations in communication technology that shaped modern society.
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