Surname Munsell - Meaning and Origin

Munsell: What does the surname Munsell mean?

The surname Munsell is of English origin and is considered a rare or unique last name around the world. The exact meaning is not completely clear or commonly known, but like many English surnames, it is likely to be topographical or occupational in nature. This means the name could possibly denote a particular job or trade practiced by the initial bearer or may refer to a geographic feature or location associated with the person. The Munsell name is most prevalent in the United States, although it has roots in the United Kingdom as well. The first recorded spelling of the family name, albeit in a different form, is believed to be that of Philip de Munceles, which was dated around 1273, in the "Hundred Rolls of Huntingdonshire," England. Please note that the meaning and origin of surnames can be complex and multi-faceted, with many names evolving or changing over time in spelling, usage, and significance.

Munsell: Where does the name Munsell come from?

The last name "Munsell" does not appear to be popular today, however, it is known to be an English surname that originated as far back as the 13th century. It has a rich history, with records in both England and Ireland. The name could have had multiple roots, such as a reference to "Monsal Hill" in the county of Derbyshire or the "Muncele" (Muncel or Muncell) family of Dorset, England.

The last name Munsell has been found in the United States as far back as the 1600's. It was most likely brought to the United States by immigrants who had the last name. Today, the last name is not as common in the United States as it once was. According to Ancestry.com, the surname is the 8,755th most popular surname in the United States. It is more popular in other countries such as Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

People with the last name Munsell tend to have close familial ties. The majority of those with this surname take pride in their family history and strive to celebrate it by preserving the history of their ancestors. People with the last name Munsell may be in search of others with the same surname to reconnect with their family and to uncover lost pieces of their family past.

Variations of the surname Munsell

Munsell is an English variant of the name Munselle which originates from the Old French Name Munsel, itself derived from the Old French word moneau, meaning small hill. There are many variants, spellings and surnames which can be traced to the same origin, including Munsel, Mounsell, Mountsell, Mountsall, Mountselle, Montsell, Montsall, Montselle, Munsella, Munsela, Mansel, Maunsell, Mounsell, Muntsell, Montsel and Mounsall.

Munsell is a patronymic surname which is derived from the first name of the father, and the spelling could have been changed many times throughout its history. The different spellings of the surname are a result of different areas being ruled by different regimes at different times, and the different languages and linguistic influences present in the areas at those times.

The surname Munsell is found in many countries, including Britain, the United States, Canada and Australia. In some countries where the influence of French or Latin is strong, such as France, Spain and Italy, the surnames Munsell and Munsella can be found. These countries also had different ways of writing or pronouncing the name which gave rise to other variations such as Montello, Montelle, Montel and Montelle.

Munsell is also found among many Jewish families, although in this case the name is more likely to be derived from a Hebrew word such as Manasseh. The Jewish version of the name might include different spellings such as Mansel, Munsel, Monsell or Monshell.

In summary, there are many different spellings and surnames of the same origin of Munsell, with the common thread running through them all being the elements 'Mun', 'Mon' or 'Man', which all have the same underlying meaning of 'hill'.

Famous people with the name Munsell

• Albert H. Munsell: an American painter, educator, art theoretician, and inventor of the Munsell color system.
• Frank Munsell: an American historian and genealogist.
• John Lewis Munsell: an American engraver and lithographer.
• Pauline Munsell: an American woman who was the first woman in the United States to receive a doctorate in educational psychology.
• Robert Munsell: an American former basketball player and coach.
• Arthur Munsell: an American artist and professor.
• William F. Munsell: an American politician and lawyer.
• Henry Munsell: an American artist, photographer, and engineer.
• Helen Munsell: an American historian.
• Alfred Munsell: an American painter and teacher.

Other surnames

MunselMunselle