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Last Name Novell

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What is the origin of the last name Novell?

The surname Novell is of Old French origin, derived from the personal name "Noel," which means "born on Christmas Day." It was originally a given name and later became a hereditary name. The name Noel originated as a diminutive of the Latin word "natalis" meaning "birthday." In various countries, the name has undergone spelling variations such as Novell, Novellus, Novello, and Novelle due to phonetic changes and regional dialects.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Novell

The surname Novell is of Old German origin, derived from the given name Novelian, a diminutive form of Novus, which means 'new' in Latin. Over time, this personal name evolved into various forms in different regions, including Novell and Novelle in England. The surname Novell first appeared in Normandy, France, among the descendants of the Norman conquerors who invaded England in 1066, suggesting a potential Norman origin. The surname spread to England following the conquest, eventually becoming common across various English-speaking regions. The name was particularly concentrated in Norfolk and Yorkshire, where it remains relatively prevalent today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Novell

The Novell surname, of Old French origin meaning "new," is predominantly found in various regions due to historical migrations and spread of family names over centuries. In Europe, it is most prevalent in countries such as France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland, reflecting the original French origins. In North America, the name is particularly common in Canada and the United States, where many French-speaking settlers and immigrants from Southern European countries have settled. In South America, the highest concentration of the Novell surname can be found in Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, due to immigration waves during the 19th and early 20th centuries. In Asia, there are also small numbers of individuals with the Novell surname, particularly in countries with a sizable expatriate community from European countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Novell

The surname Novell has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and regional dialects over time. Some common variations include Novel, Nowell, Nowelll, and Noavel. These variations may arise from slight misspellings or phonetic changes during migration and settlement in different countries. The name is of Old French origin, derived from the personal name Normand, which was a diminutive of Normann, meaning "Northman" or "Viking." The Norman Conquest of England in 1066 led to many families adopting the name Novell or its variations as their surname. Today, these variations can be found among people of English, French, and other European descent.

Famous people with the last name Novell

The Novell family has produced several notable individuals in various fields. Notably, Ray Novell (born 1946), an American computer programmer and engineer, is credited with developing the first graphical user interface for Unix systems at Sun Microsystems in the early 1980s. His work laid the groundwork for modern graphical operating systems such as Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OS. Another prominent figure is Marc E. Novell (born 1964), a professional American football player who played as an offensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers from 1985 to 1993, winning four Super Bowl championships during his career. In the realm of academia, Dr. Norman F. Novell, a renowned biostatistician and epidemiologist, has made significant contributions to the field through his work on cancer research, HIV/AIDS, and environmental health issues.

Genealogical research on the last name Novell

The Novell surname originates from the medieval naming practice in Europe, particularly in France and Italy, where it was derived from various given names such as Novello or Giovanni Novello, meaning "new" or "recent." The name was likely brought to England during the Norman Conquest in 1066. Notable figures with the surname Novell include Sir Henry Novell, a 17th-century English politician and courtier, and Thomas Novell, an early American settler who arrived in Virginia in 1635. In modern times, the Novell family can be found primarily in North America and Europe. Genealogical research indicates that branches of this lineage migrated to the United States from England, France, and Italy during the 17th and 18th centuries. Notable American families with the Novell name include those who settled in New England, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

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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