Last Name Snelling

The surname "Snelling" has an English origin. It is believed to be a habitational name derived from places called "Snelling" or "Snelly" in the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk in England. These place names are thought to derive from the Old English word "snell," meaning "active" or "quick," combined with the suffix "-ing," indicating a people or tribe. Therefore, "Snelling" likely referred to someone from or associated with these locations. The surname has been recorded since the 13th century in various spellings, such as Snellinge, Snellin, and Snellinges.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Snelling

The meaning and origin of the last name Snelling

The surname Snelling has its origins in English and is derived from the Old English word "snel" which means swift or quick. As a surname, Snelling was likely used to describe a person who was known for their speed or agility. This could have been in relation to physical attributes, such as someone who was fast-footed, or to denote a quick-minded individual. The name is of nickname origin and is derived from the Old English word "snel" or the Old Norse word "snjallr," both meaning "quick" or "active." The surname Snelling is relatively rare, and its bearers can be found mainly in England and the United States. Over time, variations of the surname have emerged, including Snell, Snellin, and Snellinge. As with many surnames, spelling variations can be attributed to regional accents or dialects.

Geographical distribution of the last name Snelling

The last name Snelling has a relatively widespread geographical distribution, albeit with concentrations in certain areas. The name is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the southern states. States such as Texas, Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia have significant populations of individuals with the surname Snelling. This could be attributed to historical migration patterns or settlement in these regions. The name also appears in smaller numbers in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In the UK, Snelling is mainly found in the southern part of the country, particularly in counties like Suffolk, Norfolk, and Essex. Overall, while the last name Snelling is not extremely common, it has a presence in various regions globally, with a stronger concentration in the United States and the southern UK.

Variants and spellings of the last name Snelling

The last name Snelling may have various variations and spellings depending on factors such as regional differences, historical changes, and individual preferences. Some common variations include Snellings, Snelen, Snellin, and Sneling. These variations may have originated from different regions or countries where the surname was adopted or modified through generations. In certain cases, phonetic changes or alternative spellings may have also contributed to the diversification of the name. For instance, the substitution of the letter "e" with "i" or the interchange of double letters can result in different versions of the name. Family traditions, migration patterns, and language differences can further contribute to the various spellings of the Snelling surname. Thus, it is not uncommon to encounter a range of different forms of the last name Snelling in historical records, official documents, and family genealogies.

Famous people with the last name Snelling

While there may not be many famous individuals with the last name Snelling, one notable figure who emerged from history is Josiah Snelling. Born in 1782, Josiah Snelling was a military officer in the United States Army during the 19th century. He is best remembered as the founder of the Fort Snelling military post in Minnesota, which played a significant role in shaping the region's history. Josiah Snelling served as the fort's first commander in 1820, and his leadership helped establish a strong American presence in the area. Fort Snelling later served as an important military establishment during the Mexican-American War and the Civil War. While there are not many famous Snellings known to the wider world, Josiah Snelling's contributions as a military officer and founder of Fort Snelling have left a lasting legacy in American history.

Genealogical research on the last name Snelling

The Snelling surname is of English origin and has a rich genealogical history. The name is believed to be topographical in nature, derived from the Old English word "snelling" which means a clearing in a forest. This suggests that the initial Snelling family may have lived near or possessed such a clearing. The earliest recorded instances of the Snelling name date back to the 13th century in Norfolk, England. Throughout the years, the Snelling family expanded and migrated to various parts of England and later spread out to different corners of the world, particularly the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Today, Snelling is a relatively uncommon surname, yet individuals with this name can still be found across these aforementioned regions. Genealogical research into the Snelling family may include tracing lineages, exploring historical records, and connecting with living descendants to piece together the extensive history of this surname.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Snelling"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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