Last Name Ansel

The surname "Ansel" is of Germanic origin. It is derived from the given name "Anselm," which itself is composed of the elements "ans" meaning "god" or "deity" and "helm" meaning "protection" or "helmet." Therefore, "Ansel" could be understood to mean "protected by God" or "divine protection." The name was popularized by Saint Anselm of Canterbury, a renowned theologian and philosopher in the medieval period. Over time, variations of the name emerged in different regions, and "Ansel" is one such variation that is found primarily in English-speaking countries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ansel

The meaning and origin of the last name Ansel

The surname Ansell derives from the Old Norse personal name Anssjell, which consists of the elements "ans," meaning god, and "sjell," meaning helmet or protection. It is believed to have originated as a descriptive nickname for someone who was deemed to have divine protection or had a strong spiritual connection. The name first appeared in the records of England in the 13th century as Ansel and subsequently evolved into various spellings such as Ansell, Ansdale, Ainslie, and Ansley. It is important to note that the name is also found in other regions such as France and Germany, but with slightly different etymologies. Over time, bearers of the surname Ansell spread to different parts of the world, including the United States, Australia, and Canada, where it encompasses a diverse range of individuals and families with ancestral ties to the name's historical origin.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ansel

The last name Ansel has a relatively limited geographical distribution. It is primarily found in Europe, with a significant concentration in France. In France, it is more commonly found in the northeastern regions, especially in the departments of Meurthe-et-Moselle, Moselle, and Vosges. It can also be found in other parts of France, albeit in smaller numbers. The surname Ansel is also present in Germany, particularly in the state of Bavaria, where it is derived from the Germanic personal name "Anselm." Other European countries where the name can be found, albeit less frequently, include Belgium, Switzerland, and Italy. Outside of Europe, the prevalence of the last name Ansel is relatively rare.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ansel

The last name "Ansel" may have several variations and spellings depending on regional or historical factors. Some possible variations include Ansell, Anselm, Anselme, Anselmi, Ancel, and Ancell. These variations can be found in different parts of the world, such as England, France, Italy, and even in some English-speaking countries. Over time, as individuals and families migrated or adopted different naming conventions, the spelling of the surname may have diverged. Additionally, transcription errors or misinterpretations in official records could also contribute to different spellings of the name. It is important to note that each variant retains a similar pronunciation, with the emphasis placed on the first syllable "An-" followed by the "sel" sound. Regardless of the specific spelling or variation, the name "Ansel" and its variants all share a common historical origin, possibly derived from the Germanic word "Ans" meaning "god" or "divine," along with the suffix "-el" indicating "noble" or "honorable."

Famous people with the last name Ansel

One of the most notable individuals with the last name Ansel is Albert Ansel, a renowned French chef and founder of the famous pastry shop, Ladurée. With his creative vision and culinary expertise, Ansel is best known for his invention of the iconic cronut, a croissant-doughnut hybrid that took the world by storm. His innovative creations and meticulous attention to detail have earned him accolades, including numerous Michelin stars. Another prominent figure bearing the last name Ansel is Ansel Elgort, an American actor, singer, and DJ. Elgort gained fame for his role in the film "The Fault in Our Stars" and later starred in successful films like "Baby Driver" and "Divergent." With his charming personality and versatile acting skills, Elgort has solidified his position in Hollywood as a promising young talent.

Genealogical research on the last name Ansel

The surname Ansel is believed to have originated from several different sources. One possible origin is German, derived from the personal name "Anselm," meaning "God's helmet" or "protected by God." This theory suggests that the surname Ansel could have been a patronymic name, indicating descent from someone named Anselm. It is also found in other countries, such as France and Italy, where it may have originated independently. In France, the surname Ansel is associated with the region of Alsace-Lorraine and is derived from the personal name "Anselme." In Italy, it is associated with the Lombardy region. Throughout history, individuals with the surname Ansel have migrated to different parts of the world, resulting in its presence in various countries. To trace specific lineages and connections, detailed genealogical research would involve examining birth, marriage, and death records, census data, immigration records, and other relevant historical documents.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Ansel"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 28 June 2025

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