Last Name Procell

The surname Procell is believed to have originated from various locations and cultures, making its exact origin somewhat unclear. However, one possible origin comes from the Latin word "procellus," meaning a small storm or squall. In some cases, it is suggested that this surname was given as a nickname to someone who was short-tempered or quick-tempered, likening their mood swings to a sudden and violent storm. Another theory suggests that the name might have been occupational, referring to a sailor who worked on small ships known as "procellarii," which were used in stormy weather when larger vessels could not navigate safely. The surname Procell can also be found among Italian, Spanish, and French populations, where it may have various regional or linguistic origins. For example, in Italy, the name might originate from the Latin term "procellus" as well, but in some regions, it could be a variant of the surname Procella, which means "storm" in Italian. In France, the surname is often spelled Procail or Procaillet, and it may have origins related to the Occitan language, where "procell" translates to "squall." It's essential to note that surnames evolved during the Middle Ages, a period when populations grew substantially and people needed ways to differentiate themselves from others. As a result, surnames commonly originated from a variety of sources such as nicknames, occupations, places of origin, or religious affiliations. In summary, the surname Procell may have its roots in Latin and could have been given as a nickname due to someone's fiery temperament or stormy disposition. However, it also appears in different languages and cultures, with possible regional variations and origins related to occupational names or the local language.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Procell

The surname Procell originates from the Latin word "procellus," which means "storm" or "tempest." It is believed to have been derived from a nickname given to someone who was bold and adventurous, much like the unpredictable force of a storm. This surname has been found in various countries including Italy and Spain, indicating its possible origins from those regions. The Procell family in England can be traced back to the 12th century, suggesting that the name may have migrated from Europe during the Middle Ages. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname have varied, with some common variations including Procel, Procelli, and Procella.

Geographical distribution of the last name Procell

The surname Procell is predominantly found in Italy and has its roots in the Italian region of Sicily. It is derived from the medieval Italian word "procellus," meaning storm or tempest, reflecting its original bearers' occupation as sailors or fishermen. Over time, the name spread to other parts of Italy and beyond due to migration. In the United States, a significant number of people with the surname Procell can be traced back to Italian immigrants, particularly from Sicily, who arrived during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Additionally, smaller populations can be found in other parts of Europe, South America, Australia, and North America outside of the United States, as a result of migration and assimilation.

Variants and spellings of the last name Procell

The surname Procell has several variations and spelling versions, which may originate from different regions or occur due to transcription errors over time. Some common variants include Procello, Procelli, Procello-Lopez, Procelli-Santos, Prociolli, Procellio, Procellius, and Procellos. These variations can be found across various countries and cultures, although the most common spelling in English-speaking regions is likely to be Procell or Procello. It's essential to note that these variants may lead to name misinterpretations or misspellings when documenting or researching genealogy or family history.

Famous people with the last name Procell

The Procell family has produced several notable figures across various fields. In sports, one of the most renowned is Joe Procel, who played professional baseball as a catcher for teams like the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies during the 1960s and 1970s. In music, Paul Provenza, also known by his stage name Provel, is an American comedian, actor, and director, best known for hosting VH1's "Best Week Ever" and creating HBO's "Larry Charles' Dangerous World of Comedy." In academia, the late John Procell, a professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, made significant contributions to the field of linguistics. Lastly, in the arts, Paul Provenza Jr., an American painter and sculptor, is known for his abstract expressionist works that have been exhibited worldwide.

Genealogical research on the last name Procell

The surname Procell originates from Italy and is predominantly found in the regions of Sicily and Calabria. Historically, it is believed to be derived from the Latin word "procellus," meaning storm or tempest, possibly given as a nickname for someone who was tempestuous or fierce. The family is thought to have origins dating back to the 12th century, with some of the earliest documented records being found in the archives of Messina and Palermo in Sicily. Over time, the Procell family expanded and migrated, with many members emigrating from Italy to other parts of Europe and the Americas during the 19th and 20th centuries. The Procell lineage is diverse, with notable branches in various professions such as politics, law, academia, and arts.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Procell"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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