Surname Lessells - Meaning and Origin

Lessells: What does the surname Lessells mean?

The last name LESSELLS is of French origin and is thought to be derived from the Old French word ‘laisel’, which means ‘small pieces of bread’. This suggests that it was likely used as an occupational name that identified individuals who made or sold loaves of bread. It is also thought to be derived from the French term ‘L’Isle’, which means ‘the island’, likely referring to an island near where the family lived or worked.

The earliest known record of the name is 11th century France, where ‘ius de Lisle’, which means ‘he who is from the island’ was mentioned in a document. The name is most commonly seen in the UK in Somerset, Devon, and Hampshire as well as Suffolk and Oxfordshire in England. The name is also seen in Canada, where immigrants from England settled in the 18th century.

Today, the name LESSELLS has become quite a common surname, particularly in English-speaking countries. It continues to be a popular family name amongst individuals of French origin and is still known as an occupational surname in some countries, signifying that the family may have been involved in bread-baking in some form.

Lessells: Where does the name Lessells come from?

The last name Lessells is most commonly found in the United Kingdom. Within the UK, the name is particularly associated with north-east England. North-east England includes the former counties of Northumberland, Durham, and Yorkshire. It is in these counties, and the cities that lie within them, that Lessells is most widely found.

In particular, it is found with some frequency in the main urban centres of the north-east, such as Newcastle, Sunderland, and Middlesbrough. It is also quite common in the wider rural areas of those counties. This is reflective of the longstanding tradition of family names being most commonly found in the same place of origin.

The Lessells family can also be found in other parts of the world, such as the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. In these countries, the origin can be traced back to the Lessells migrants of the 19th and 20th centuries. The Lessells surname is of English origin and is derived from the earlier form of Lessles. It is likely that the name derived from Leicestershire, a county in the Midlands of England.

Overall, Lessells is most identified with its north-east English roots. This is reinforced by the geographic proximity of people with the last name who live in the north east of England today. However, as shown above, it is also found in other parts of the world, largely through migration in the last few centuries.

Variations of the surname Lessells

The surname LESSELLS typically has a few variant spellings and surnames that are derived from the same origin. While the spelling LESSELLS is the most common form, other recognized variants on this name include Lessles, Lesslesse, Lessall, Lessalls, Lessell, Lessells, Lesselly, Lesel, Lesell, Leselle, Lessel, Lessels, Lesselt, Lissel, Lissell, and Loessel.

The geographical and linguistic origins of the Lessells surname are unknown, but most scholars believe the origin of the name is linked to the Old French word "lesel" or "leselle," meaning a hilly region. This indicates that the surname may have originated from the north of France, particularly Picardy, a region near the Somme River.

The variants Lessel and Loessel may also be derived from the same origin. These variants may have been derived from the German word “lessen” or “loschen,” both meaning “burn.” This suggests that these variants may have originated in Germany.

The French variants, such as Lessles and Lesslesse, may have been derived from the French word “lesselles,” meaning “small amounts.” This indicates that the family bearing this surname may have had a history of dealing in small quantities of goods.

Shorter variants on this surname include Les, Lessel, Lesels, and Lels, all of which are believed to be derived from the same origin as LESSELLS.

Overall, the LESSELLS surname has a wide variety of spellings and variant surnames, all of which are believed to be derived from the same original source.

Famous people with the name Lessells

• Glyn Lessells: Rugby player, coaching the Italian team between 1994 and 1997
• Duncan Lessells: Former British diplomat and ambassador
• Wesley Lessells: Retired NFL wide receiver
• Michael Lessells: Poet and author of the book,” Postcards from the Borderland”
• Jack Lessells: Played forward in the National Hockey League
• Mark Lessells: Actor and founder of an Elvis Presley tribute act
• Volney Lessells: American businessman and entrepreneur
• Gail Lessells: Novelist and playwright
• John Lessells: 2016 British Commonwealth Games Silver Medalist in 100m backstroke
• Mark Lessells: English Footballer who spent his career in non-league football

Other surnames

Lessels