Last Name Hasbell

The surname "Hasbell" is of English origin and is derived from a place name. It is believed to have originated from various locations named Hassall in England, such as Hassall in Northamptonshire or Hassall Green in Worcestershire. These places are named from the Old English words "hæsa" (meaning haze) and "halh" (meaning nook or enclosure), referring to a clearing surrounded by dense growth. Over time, the spelling of the place name and thus the surname has undergone variations due to factors such as scribal errors, regional dialects, and individual preferences. Some other spellings associated with Hasbell include Hassall, Hasebell, and Hassell.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Hasbell

The meaning and origin of the last name Hasbell

The surname Hasbell is an Anglo-Saxon name, originating from England. It is derived from the Old English words "haes" which means hazel tree, and "beal", meaning dweller or living by. This indicates that the original bearer of this name was likely associated with a location where hazel trees grew abundantly. Over time, various spelling variations such as Hasebell, Hasbill, and Hasbolt emerged due to the common practice of scribes interpreting names phonetically during the Middle Ages. The surname Hasbell can also be found in Ireland, where it is considered an Anglicized form of the Gaelic surnames Mac Eoghain or Mac Giolla Easbuig.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hasbell

The surname Hasbell has its origins primarily in England, with a significant concentration in the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire. Historically, it's believed to be a locational name derived from places named 'Haselbeach', found in both Shropshire and Worcestershire. Over time, variations in the spelling of the name have emerged due to factors such as different transcription methods and individual preference. Today, descendants of Hasbells can be found not only throughout England but also in other English-speaking countries, including Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, the United States, and Australia, as a result of migration during colonial times and in more recent periods.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hasbell

The surname Hasbell possesses several variations and alternate spellings due to historical transcription errors and regional dialects. Some common spelling variations include Hassell, Hassele, Hasele, Hazzel, Hazel, Hesbelle, Hasbell-Lee, and Hassal. These changes may have originated from minor misspellings over time or from individuals choosing to emphasize different syllables or sounds in their name. The root of the name likely comes from Old English words "hæs" meaning "haze" and "byrle" meaning "dweller", forming "Hesbyrla", which later evolved into Hasbell.

Famous people with the last name Hasbell

The Hasbell family has produced notable individuals in various fields throughout history. One of the most renowned is Sir William J. Hasell (1834-1903), a British civil engineer who played a significant role in the construction of the Suez Canal. Another well-known figure is William C. Haseloff, an American biologist and molecular biologist known for his work on gene targeting and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy. In the world of arts, British illustrator and graphic designer Alan Haselhurst (1936-2014) was best known for his work on Doctor Who and other popular children's TV shows. Lastly, American actor and singer Jodie Hasbrook (born 1967), who appeared in several films and television series, including the role of Dr. Kim Zambrano in the medical drama "Strong Medicine." These individuals demonstrate the diverse talents and contributions made by those bearing the Hasbell surname across different fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Hasbell

The surname Hasbell originates from England and is believed to be derived from various locations named "Hasbill" or "Hasbury," found primarily in Devon and Dorset counties. The earliest known record of the name dates back to the 13th century, with a William de la Hasbille mentioned in the Hundred Rolls of 1279. Over time, several spelling variations emerged due to differences in transcription, including Hassel, Hassell, Hasbolt, and Hesbill among others. The family migrated to the American colonies during the 17th century, with records showing Thomas Hasbell arriving in Virginia in 1635. The Hasbell lineage also has connections to Ireland, where many families bearing the name immigrated from England over centuries. Today, Hasbells are predominantly found in the United States, Canada, and Australia, with concentrations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, and Ontario.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Hasbell"
• 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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