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Is Bell a Scottish name?

Is Bell a Scottish name?

Scottish and northern English: from Middle English belle ‘bell’, in various applications; most probably a metonymic occupational name for a bell ringer or bell maker, or a topographic name for someone living ‘at the bell’ (as attested by 14th-century forms such as John atte Belle).

What Scottish clan does Bell belong to?

Clan Chief: Clan Bell is an armigerous clan which means that the clan, family or name is registered with the Court of the Lord Lyon, but does not currently have a chief recognised by the Lyon Court. Clan Bell’s last recognised chief, William Redcloak Bell died in 1628.

Is the surname Bell Scottish?

The surname Bell appears to have originated in Scotland and northern England. It could have been a nickname from the Old French beu or bel, meaning “handsome,” given possible origins of the Scots Bells in France.

Where does the family name Bell come from?

The surname is derived from the Middle English bell. This surname likely originated as an occupational name for a bell ringer or bell maker; or else from a topographic name for someone who lived by an actual bell, or by a house sign or inn sign.

Is there a bell tartan?

If you’re a Bell, you’ll want to know about the Bell tartan! The Bell of the Borders was designed in 1984, It was commissioned by Colonel William Bell, President Emeritus of Clan Bell International and designed by Bob Martin, making this a truly international tartan that showcases Scottish heritage in a global setting.

Is Bell a Viking name?

Norwegian: habitational name from a farmstead in western Norway named Bell, the origin of which is unexplained. Scandinavian: of English or German origin; in German as a habitational name for someone from Bell in Rhineland, Germany, or possibly from Belle in Westphalia.

How common is the surname Bell in the UK?

Bell Surname Distribution Map

Place Incidence Frequency
England 84,249 1:661
Australia 42,630 1:633
Canada 31,373 1:1,174
Scotland 16,372 1:327

What is the bell tartan?

If you’re a Bell, you’ll want to know about the Bell tartan! It’s an unusual tartan thanks to its light blue base – perhaps representing the River Tweed which runs through the Borders – and accents of green and yellow.

What is the history of Clan Bell?

As a prominent Border clan with a rich history, the Bells are entitled to their own three feather chief and clan status in the family of Scottish clans. Fortunately, a concerted effort is underway to resurrect Clan Bell to its past status through the appointment of a Chief by Scotland’s Lord Lyon, King of Arms.

Is there a Bell family coat of arms?

And there can never be one, because the Bealls are Scottish, and there is no such animal as a family coat of arms in Scottish heraldry. For a more detailed explanation, visit the Arms page. The surname Bell appears to have originated in Scotland and northern England.

Where does the name Bell come from?

The family originate from Annandale, North Cumberland and Liddesdale. Today, the Bells are particularly numerous in Northumberland. There are various theories of the origin of the name Bell. Among those suggested are, the shortened form of Isabel, from the old French town of Belle and from an inn sign ‘The Bell.’

Who was the first bell in the Bell family?

Early Notables of the Bell family (pre 1700) Notable amongst the family name during their early history was The Blessed Arthur Bell (1590-1618), also known as Francis Bell, who was a Franciscan and English martyr; Sir Robert Bell (d. 1577) of Beaupre Hall, Norfolk, Speaker of the House of Commons; William Bell (died ca. 1668)…