Last Name Cassel

The surname Cassel is of Old Norse origin. It derives from the Norse personal name "Ketil," which means "kettle" or "cauldron." Over time, this name evolved into various forms such as Ketels, Katellus, and Cassell/Cassel in different regions, particularly in Scandinavia and parts of Northern Europe. The name was also brought to other countries by Norse settlers and Viking raiders during the Middle Ages, including England and France.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cassel

The meaning and origin of the last name Cassel

The surname Cassel is of Old French origin, derived from the medieval given name Cascel, which is believed to have been a diminutive form of the personal name Cascus or Cascer, both of which are thought to be derived from the Latin name Castus, meaning 'chaste' or 'pure'. The surname Cassel was likely first used as a nickname for someone who possessed chaste or pure qualities. Over time, it became hereditary and spread across Europe, with significant populations found in France, England, and Scandinavia. Notable individuals with the surname Cassel include Swedish actor Max von Sydow and English politician Thomas Henry Cassell.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cassel

The last name Cassel is predominantly of French origin and has a significant presence in France, particularly in regions such as Brittany, Normandy, and Picardy. It also has a substantial concentration in Belgium, especially in Wallonia, due to the historical links between these two countries. In the United States, the last name Cassel is most common in states with large European immigrant populations, such as New York, Massachusetts, and Michigan. It can also be found in Canada, Australia, and South Africa, reflecting the diaspora of French and Belgian settlers across the globe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cassel

The surname Cassel has several variants and spellings due to various factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, and changes over time. Some of these variations include Casel, Cassell, Kassel, and Kasel. These variations stem from the original French name "Caussat" or "Causse," which was brought to England by the Normans in the 11th century. Over time, these names evolved into modern-day spellings such as Cassell, Casel, and Kassel. Additionally, some families may have altered their surnames intentionally or unintentionally due to cultural assimilation, migration, or name simplification. Despite these variations, all of these forms share a common origin in the Old French term "Caussat" or "Causse."

Famous people with the last name Cassel

Notable individuals sharing the surname Cassel include:

1. Salma Hayek-Cassel, a Mexican and American film actress, producer, and former model, best known for her roles in films such as "Frida" and "Desperado."
2. Vincent Cassel, a French actor who has appeared in several notable films like "La Haine," "Ocean's Twelve," and "Black Swan."
3. Mathieu Amalric, another French actor known for his roles in films such as "The Grand Budapest Hotel" and "Quantum of Solace."
4. Mickey Cassel, a British television presenter who hosted the long-running children's television show "Blue Peter."
5. Jody Cassell, an American author and journalist, known for her mystery novels set in Charleston, South Carolina.
6. William Cassel, an American politician who served as the 38th Secretary of State of North Dakota from 2017 to 2021.

Genealogical research on the last name Cassel

The surname Cassel is believed to have originated from various locations in France, particularly Normandy and Brittany. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as 'Cazelo' or 'Caslo'. Over the centuries, the name has been spelled in numerous ways including Cassell, Casselman, Cassile, and Cassill.

In England, the name Cassel is associated with the town of Yorkshire, where a family named Cassill resided during the late 17th century. The family's coat of arms features three boars on a red field, symbolizing courage, strength, and freedom.

The Scottish Cassels originated from Casslehill in Roxburghshire, where they were granted lands by William the Lion in 1214. This branch of the family later settled in Ayrshire and became prominent in Scottish politics, with several members serving as Sheriffs and Provosts of Ayr during the late Middle Ages.

The Cassel family is also found in Germany, where they settled during the Middle Ages. Notable members include Ludwig Cassel, a German mathematician who made significant contributions to number theory and algebraic geometry.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cassel"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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