Last Name Cabell: origin, history, and heritage

What is the origin of the last name Cabell?

The last name Cabell is of French origin and is derived from the Old French word "cabel," which means "horse's tail" or "tail." It is believed to have originally been a nickname or descriptive name for someone with a distinctive or prominent physical feature, such as long hair or a bushy tail-like appearance. The name could have been used to describe someone with these characteristics or possibly someone who worked with or cared for horses. Over time, the name evolved into Cabell and became a hereditary surname passed down through generations.