Surname Metherell - Meaning and Origin

Metherell: What does the surname Metherell mean?

The last name Metherell is of English and Welsh origin. It is derived from the Old English words "methere," meaning "middle of the forest," and "well," meaning "source of water." Thus, it can be loosely translated to mean "forest spring" or "source of water in the woods."

In some cases, Metherell may be an occupational surname reflecting work related to forestry. Those with the last name were more likely to have been stewards of the land, working in woodlands to manage game animals and timber.

The Metherell family name has been found in county records dating back to 1273 in Norfolk County, England. During the Middle Ages, Metherells resided in the northern and western counties located along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and Celtic Sea.

Today, there are numerous Metherells who have spread into Scandinavia and across the United States. Once in the United States, the Metherells dispersed throughout the southern and eastern states; however, the largest concentration is found in the Central and Mountain regions.

Given the roots and spelling variations of this family name, it is difficult to trace its origins and exact meanings. Nonetheless, Metherell today carries a legacy of a righteous people whose contributions to the English, Welsh and American cultures are highly valued.

Metherell: Where does the name Metherell come from?

The last name Metherell is believed to have originated in Cornwall in the south-west of England. Even today, the name still remains most popular in this part of the world, particularly in areas of Devon and Cornwall. The most recent census data from England and Wales suggests that Metherell is still one of the most prevalent surnames in the surrounding areas. For example, in Cornwall alone, there were nearly 3,000 people with the surname Metherell.

The surname is also prevalent in some overseas countries. It is particularly common in Australia, where an influx of Metherells migrated to during the Victorian era. The first Metherell to arrive in Australia was believed to have been Alfred Metherell, who arrived in the country circa 1848. The Metherells (and other Cornish immigrants) were predominantly found in areas of Australia such as Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales.

More recently, the Metherell name has spread beyond England and Australia and can now be found in countries such as Canada, New Zealand, the United States, South Africa, and even further afield. Although exact figures aren't available, anecdotal evidence suggests that the surname is particularly common in these countries.

In conclusion, the last name Metherell is most common in the south of England and Australia, although there are plenty other countries where the name has spread too.

Variations of the surname Metherell

Metherell is a unique surname, with many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Variations of the name often begin with the prefix ‘Mc’ or ‘Mac’, followed by the root ‘Metherell’. Examples of these variants in use include McMetherell, McMetherill, MacMetherell, and MacMetherill. The name can also be spelled without a prefix, for example Metherell, Matherill, and Methirill.

Other surnames with similar origins may include Matherill, Meatherill, Matherell, Matherall, Mattherell, Maderill, Madrill, Matterill, Maedoril, Matheril, Matherlie, and Maethrill. All of these surnames are derived from the root ‘Metherell’.

The surname Metherell is generally considered to have derived from the English language, but it has been suggested that it may also be of Irish or Irish-American origin. It is possible that the name originated with a Norse or Viking ancestor, as variations of 'Metherell' have been found in Scandinavia.

Anyone researching their Metherell heritage should also ensure they explore all of the various surname variants and spellings associated with the name. These spellings and variations can be invaluable sources of information for genealogy projects.

Famous people with the name Metherell

• Gunther Metherell: Australian Olympic diver, competed in the 1956 and 1960 Summer Olympics.
• Tim Metherell: English professional footballer, played for clubs Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chesterfield before retiring in 1989.
• John Metherell: English nonconformist minister, held the position of assistant minister at Old Jewry Chapel in London.
• Emma Metherell: English road racing cyclist, won bronze medals at the British National Track Championships in 2009 and 2010.
• Dorothea Metherell: English figure skater, competed in several events throughout the 1930s.
• Charles Metherell: English astrophysicist and astronomer, known for his contributions to high-accuracy celestial mechanics.
• David Metherell: American librarian, held positions at Princeton, Yale, and Stanford, and served as president of the Library and Information Technology Association from 1990 to 1991.
• Peter Metherell: British diplomat, served as ambassador to Greece and the Ivory Coast. 9.Alfred Metherell: English entrepreneur, founded the luxury sailmaker and yacht-liner Metherell & Co. in 1851.
• Arthur Metherell: Australian race car driver, competed in the famous London-Brighton and Southport rallies during the late 1950s.

Other surnames

Metherel