Last Name Secall

The surname Secall is believed to have origins in Spain and Portugal. It is a variant of the Hebrew name "Shakhel," which means "to climb" or "mountain." This name was brought to Iberia by Sephardic Jews during the Middle Ages, and over time it underwent phonetic changes, resulting in various spellings such as Secall, Seccall, Sekal, and Seco. The family name Secall is also found among those who were forcibly converted to Christianity during the Inquisition but secretly continued their Jewish practices. During the expulsions of Jews from Spain in 1492 and Portugal in 1497, many families with this name likely fled to North Africa, the Ottoman Empire, or the New World.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Secall

The meaning and origin of the last name Secall

The surname Secall is of Hebrew origin, derived from the Biblical name "Sekel," which means scribe or secretary. The name is a variation of the more common Sepulveda, which translates to "graveyard meadow" in Spanish, reflecting its conversion and assimilation among Sephardic Jews who were expelled from Spain during the Inquisition. The Secall family likely changed their surname to conceal their Jewish identity, as many did during this period of religious persecution. Over time, the name evolved and spread across various regions, particularly in Europe and the Americas, where Sephardic Jews settled after their expulsion. Today, the Secall surname is found among diverse populations, reflecting its historical migration patterns.

Geographical distribution of the last name Secall

The surname Secall is predominantly distributed across Spain and Israel, with significant concentrations found in these two regions. In Spain, it's most prevalent in the autonomous community of Catalonia, particularly in Barcelona and its surrounding areas, reflecting the Jewish migration from the Iberian Peninsula during the late 15th century. In Israel, the Secall surname is found in various parts of the country, with higher occurrences noted in urban areas such as Tel Aviv-Yafo, Jerusalem, and Haifa. The name is less common in other countries, although it can be found in small numbers in the United States, Canada, and some South American nations, due to diaspora from Spain and Israel over the centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Secall

The surname Secall has several variations and spellings across different regions and time periods. Some common spelling variants include Sekell, Seckel, Seccall, and Secaule. These variations may arise due to differences in pronunciation, transcription errors, or regional dialects. In some cases, the name might also have been anglicized or modified when immigrants arrived in English-speaking countries from other language regions. It's essential to consider these variants when researching family history or genealogy to ensure thorough and accurate results. Ultimately, the correct spelling of any given name often depends on the specific historical context, geographical location, and individual preferences.

Famous people with the last name Secall

The Secall surname has been associated with notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned is David Michael "Mickey" Sexton (born Secall), an American film and television director, writer, and producer known for his work on shows like "The Goldbergs", "Modern Family", and "Gilmore Girls". In music, there's Marc Sealall, a Trinidadian-American violinist who has performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. In the literary world, Jill Secal, an American author, is known for her book "The Last Letter from Your Lover". Lastly, Paul Secall, a Canadian geophysicist, made significant contributions to the study of the Earth's magnetic field and was awarded the prestigious Massey Medal. These are some of the prominent individuals with the Secall surname, each distinguished in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Secall

The surname Secall is believed to have originated from the region of France known as Champagne, specifically the city of Sacy, which has been recorded with variations such as Sacey and Sessay in ancient times. The name Secall or Secault, as it also appears, is a habitation name, meaning that it was likely used to identify people who lived in one of these places. As populations grew and migrated during the Middle Ages, many families took their place names with them, adopting them as their own to distinguish themselves from others with similar-sounding names.

The Secall family is also found in England, where they appear in records dating back to the 13th century. Some notable Secalls include Sir John Secoll of Lincolnshire, who was a prominent landowner and knight during the reign of King Henry III, and William Secoll, who was a Sheriff of London in the early 15th century.

In North America, the Secall name can be traced back to the French colonial period, with some families arriving in Louisiana, Canada, and the Maritime provinces. A significant number of Secalls also immigrated to the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries, many settling in urban areas such as New York City and Boston. Today, the name Secall can be found throughout North America, Europe, and other parts of the world.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Secall"
• 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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