Surname Runnells - Meaning and Origin
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Runnells: What does the surname Runnells mean?
The surname Runnells is of English origin and is believed to be a variant of the name Reynold. It is derived from the Old High Germanic personal name Raginwald, composed of 'ragin' meaning 'counsel' and 'wald' translating as 'rule'. Therefore, the surname can be loosely interpreted as "counsel-rule". Early variants of the name include Reynolds, Runels, Runnalls, and others. It was first found in Somerset where the family held a family seat since ancient times. Common variations of the spelling of this surname were often created due to an illiteracy of the population in the Middle Ages, resulting in the phonetic spelling of the name. This surname has been present in the United States since the early years of the European settlement. The surname Runnells is somewhat uncommon, adding to the distinctiveness and individuality of those who carry it.
Order DNA origin analysisRunnells: Where does the name Runnells come from?
The last name Runnells is most commonly found in the United States. According to the US Census Bureau, Runnells is the 4,174th most common surname in the country. It ranks particularly high in Arkansas, Tennessee, and Oklahoma.
Runnells is an English surname. It was historically popular in the East Midlands region of England, but has since spread to other countries through immigration. The first recorded use of this name comes from 1273 in Cambridgeshire, where a man named William de Runneles was noted in the Hundred Rolls.
Runnells is a habitational name, meaning someone who came from Runnells. This was a small village in Lincolnshire, which was first recorded in the Doomsday Book. Alternatively, it could be derived from a Middle English word, referring to a stream or drain.
The earliest recorded Runnell in the United States was one John Runnell, who came to Massachusetts in 1638. He had presumably come to America looking for better opportunities for himself and his family. Since then, the Runnells family name has gradually spread throughout the country, with people bearing the name in almost every state.
One of the most prominent Runnells in American history was General Jesse Lee Runnells who served in the Confederate army during the Civil War. He fought in several major battles, and was named a brigadier general for his bravery.
Today, you can find many people with the last name Runnells throughout the United States. In almost every state, you will find members of this ancient family making their mark on American history.
Variations of the surname Runnells
Runnells is an English surname, generally found in areas of England such as Derbyshire, Somerset, and Yorkshire. It is often assumed to be derived from a place name, likely from a dialectal form of a location's name. Variations in spelling of the surname Runnells have evolved over time, such as Rundle, Runnel, Runnels, Rundall, Runnalls, Runnell, Runnall, Runnells, Runnels, Runals and Rundles.
In some cases, Runnells has been Anglicised from other spellings and surnames, such as the Irish name O’Rinnell or the French surname Reneau. It is also believed that in some cases it became anglicised from the Germanic name Runolf.
Runnells is also the root of a variety of surnames which have been anglicised or altered over time. Such examples include Ronnell, Rennell, Runnels, Runnalls, and Runnal. This surname can be found ubiquitously across the world, often found in areas which were colonised by the English such as Australia, South Africa, Canada, and the United States.
The origin of the Runnells surname may not be conclusively known, however it is certain that it is an anglicised version of a variety of surnames from both England and abroad. Regardless of its spells or variants, the surname has been found in many parts of the English-speaking world over the centuries.
Famous people with the name Runnells
- Jeff Runnells: Former Major League Baseball pitcher.
- Jay Runnells: Former Major League Baseball catcher.
- Rashad Runnells: Former Major League Baseball outfielder.
- Maury Runnells: Former Major League Baseball pitcher.
- Gordon Runnells: Australian politicians, serving as a member of Legislative Council and Mayor of Prahran.
- Carlos Runnells: Clinician Scientist at King’s College Hospital and London Deanery.
- Lesley Runnells: Professor of Mathematics at Vandebilt University.
- Rozanne Runnells: Poet, award-winning author, and educator.
- Geoff Runnells: National Football League player.
- Brooke Runnells: Professional golfer.
- Joseph Runnells: Recipient of the American Association of University Professors Award for Distinguished Teaching in Mathematics.
- Jeff Runnells: Entrepreneur and business owner.