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Last Name Liell

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What is the origin of the last name Liell?

The surname Liell is of Scandinavian origin, specifically from Sweden and Norway. It derives from the Old Norse personal name Leifr, meaning "heifer" or "young cow." Over time, it evolved into various forms such as Leijon, Lejon, Leill, and Liell in Swedish and Norwegian dialects. The spelling variations may have occurred due to the vagaries of transcription over centuries, as well as through migration and assimilation processes.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Liell

The surname Liell is of Scandinavian origin, particularly common among people from Sweden and Norway. It derives from the Old Norse personal name "Leifr" or "Leifur," which means "heir of a people" or "descendant." Over time, this personal name evolved into various spellings in different regions, such as Liell, Ljell, Leell, and others. The surname Liell became hereditary as families passed it down through generations, serving as a distinctive identifier for individual clans or lineages.

Geographical distribution of the last name Liell

The surname Liell is predominantly found in Scandinavian countries, particularly Sweden and Norway, due to its historical origins in these regions. According to various genealogical databases, it's one of the more common surnames in both nations, especially in rural areas. Migration patterns have also spread the name to other parts of the world, notably North America and Australia, where many Scandinavian immigrants settled during the 19th and early 20th centuries. In recent years, there has been a growing presence of the Liell surname in English-speaking countries such as the United States and Canada, primarily due to continued immigration from Scandinavia and genealogical research by descendants of these immigrants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Liell

The surname Liell possesses several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciations. Some of the common spelling variants include: Liell, Ljell, Liel, Liehl, Lyell, Lijll, Leell, and Ljeel. These variations may stem from differences in language, dialect, or historical records. Additionally, some individuals may choose to alter the spelling of their name for personal reasons, which can further result in variations of the surname Liell.

Famous people with the last name Liell

Notable individuals with the surname Liell include:

1. Elisabeth Liell (born 1963), a Swedish actress known for her roles in films such as "Flickan som lekte med elden" and "Klagan över jorda."
2. Per Liell (born 1950), a Swedish writer, journalist, and politician who served as Minister for Home Affairs from 2006 to 2014.
3. Johan Petter Liell (1819–1897), a Swedish artist and engraver who was an influential figure in the Düsseldorf school of painting.
4. Gunnar Liell (1905–1962), a Swedish sculptor known for his expressive figurative works, including several public statues in Sweden.
5. Ingrid Liell (born 1937), a Swedish author and journalist who has written numerous books on social issues and women's rights.
6. Anna Liell (born 1980), a Swedish actress who has appeared in films such as "Värsta år" and "En man som heter Ove."
7. Erik Liell (born 1972), a Swedish artist known for his large-scale abstract paintings and installations.
8. Maja Liell (born 1956), a Swedish actress who has appeared in films such as "Raskenstam" and "En förlorad son."

Genealogical research on the last name Liell

The Liell surname is believed to originate from Scandinavia, specifically Sweden and Norway. It is a variant of the Old Norse name Leifr, meaning "heifer" or "young cow." The Liell family can be traced back to the medieval period in Sweden. One notable figure with the Liell surname is Karl Axel Liell, a Swedish writer and journalist who was active during the 19th century. In Norway, a prominent member of the Liell family was Jonas Henrik Liell, an engineer and inventor who made significant contributions to the field of telegraphy in the 19th century. The Liell name has also been found in Finland, where it is believed to have originated from Swedish immigrants. Overall, the Liell surname has a rich history rooted in Scandinavia, with notable figures contributing to literature, engineering, and journalism.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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