Last Name Colell

The surname "Colell" has multiple origins due to its similar spelling and pronunciation in different languages. 1. Catalan: In Catalonia, Spain, "Colell" is a variation of the surname "Colom" (dove), derived from a nickname given to someone who was a skilled dovekeeper or had some connection with doves. 2. Occitan: In the Occitania region of France and surrounding areas, "Colell" could originate from the word "collel," meaning a small hill or knoll. This would have been a topographic name for someone who lived on such a feature. 3. Jewish origin: A lesser-known possibility is that "Colell" may have origins in Judaism, potentially derived from the Hebrew word "כולל" (kulal), meaning "collections," referring to a scholar who collected and compiled religious texts. However, this etymology is less well-established compared to the Catalan and Occitan origins. 4. Surname creation: Another theory suggests that "Colell" could have been created as a surname by someone who wanted a unique identity or had moved away from their place of origin and needed a new name for themselves and their family. In this case, the exact origin would be unknown.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Colell

The surname Colell is of Catalan origin, rooted in the regions of Spain with a significant Catalan-speaking population, particularly in the autonomous community of Catalonia. The name "Colell" is derived from the Old Catalan word "coll," which means neck or nape in English. This surname could have been originally given to someone who had a physical feature associated with the neck, such as having a long neck or a birthmark on that area. Alternatively, it may have been occupationally-based, potentially referring to a butcher who specialized in cutting meat at the neck of an animal. As with many surnames, the specific origin and meaning for any given individual may vary based on historical context and personal genealogy.

Geographical distribution of the last name Colell

The surname Colell is primarily found in Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain, particularly in the provinces of Barcelona and Girona where it represents one of the most common surnames. However, its distribution extends beyond Catalonia as well. Smaller numbers of people with the last name Colell can be found in other regions of Spain, such as Valencia and Balearic Islands, which have historical connections to Catalonia. Additionally, there are some individuals with this surname in France, particularly in the southwestern region of Pyrénées-Orientales due to historical migration between Catalonia and France. The surname Colell may also be found among Catalan-speaking communities in other parts of the world, including Argentina, Venezuela, Cuba, and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Colell

The surname Colell (or Colel) has several spelling variants due to differences in transcription, translation, and regional pronunciation over time. Some common variations include Coullel, Coilell, Collel, Colliel, Colello, and Coliol. These variations may also be found with slight differences in the order of the vowels or consonants, such as Coellel, Colllel, or Colelle. Additionally, it is not uncommon to find diacritical marks added or removed from the name depending on the local dialect and customs. For example, Colell with an accent mark (Colell') can also be found. Regardless of the specific spelling, the surname Colell is most commonly associated with regions of Spain and Catalonia.

Famous people with the last name Colell

The Colell family has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned is Josep Lluís Colell i Torres (1947-2018), a Catalan mathematician and economist who made significant contributions to game theory, optimization, and mathematical economics. His work on mechanisms design has been influential in computer science and economics. In the world of music, there is David Colella, an American jazz pianist and composer who has collaborated with artists such as Michael Brecker, Joe Henderson, and Herbie Hancock. Lastly, mention should be made of Francesc Colell i Gualba (1940-2016), a Spanish politician who served as the mayor of Tortosa from 1987 to 2003 and was a member of the Catalan Parliament from 2006 until his death. These individuals showcase the diverse talents and achievements within the Colell family.

Genealogical research on the last name Colell

The surname Colell is primarily of Spanish origin, originating from the medieval kingdoms of the Iberian Peninsula. The name has its roots in various regions including Catalonia, Aragon, and Valencia. In these regions, it was often associated with settlers who arrived during the Reconquista period. One notable variant of this surname is Colom, which gained global prominence through Christopher Columbus, whose family originated from Cabrera de Mar in Catalonia. The name Colell can be traced back to the 14th century, with documented appearances in Catalan records dating as far back as the late 1300s. It is traditionally a patronymic surname, derived from a given name, possibly "Cole," which was used in various Christian contexts during the Middle Ages. The name continues to be common in Spain and its former territories today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Colell"
• 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 : 13 June 2025

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