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Last Name Veal

What is the origin of the last name Veal?

The surname Veal originates from Old English and Old Norse roots. It is an Anglicized form of several medieval Germanic names. One possibility is that it comes from the personal name "Wigalf," which means "battle wolf" in Old English. This name was brought to England by Viking invaders and settlers, where it was later anglicized to Veal. Another possibility is that the surname Veal originates from the Old Norse personal name "Veðulfr," which means "ruler of the sheep." This name may have been brought to England by Scandinavian settlers and was subsequently anglicized to Veal. Over time, the spelling of the surname Veal has undergone various changes due to scribal errors, regional dialects, and other factors. Some variations of this name include Vail, Valle, and Vall. The family is most commonly found in England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Veal

The meaning and origin of the last name Veal

The surname Veal is an Anglo-Saxon and Norman name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "foluc" or "feoh-hylc," which means "cowhide" or "calfskin." Over time, this occupational name evolved to denote a leather worker who specialized in working with calfskin, hence the surname Veal. The Norman form of this name, "Veill," was introduced into England by the Normans following their conquest of England in 1066. Throughout its history, the Veal surname has been distributed across various counties in England and Wales, with notable concentrations in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and Shropshire. Today, it remains a relatively uncommon surname in the United Kingdom but is more prevalent in the United States due to English emigration during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Veal

The last name Veal is primarily distributed across several countries predominantly in Western Europe and North America. In England and Wales, it is one of the more common surnames and has been traced back to various regions including Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Warwickshire. It is also found in substantial numbers in Ireland, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. In North America, the highest concentrations are in the United States, particularly in states like Virginia, Texas, and Florida. The name Veal is also present in Canada, primarily in Ontario and Quebec. In continental Europe, smaller populations can be found in France, Germany, and Italy. Additionally, there are Veal families recorded in Australia and New Zealand, predominantly of British descent.

Variants and spellings of the last name Veal

The surname Veal has several variations and spellings. Some common forms include Veale, Veahl, Veiel, Veele, Veille, Veillee, and even Veillé (a French variation). These differences can arise due to spelling conventions in different regions or countries, as well as the passage of time and changes in the English language. It's also important to note that some people may choose to Anglicize their surnames, which could lead to variations like Fewel, Feal, or Fil, although these are less common than the aforementioned forms. These various spellings and forms share a common root and can be traced back to multiple origins, making Veal a versatile and intriguing name with a rich history.

Famous people with the last name Veal

Notable individuals with the surname Veal include:

* Richard Veal, an English professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for AFC Wimbledon and the England C team. He previously played for the Premier League side Chelsea and the Championship clubs Reading and Millwall.
* William Veal (1832-1907), an American politician and soldier who served as the 6th Governor of Oregon from 1875 to 1879. He also held various military positions during the American Civil War and the Indian Wars, and later became a prominent businessman in Portland, Oregon.
* Randy Veal (born 1962), an American professional basketball player who played for the Seattle Supersonics, Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, and Chicago Bulls in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He also had a brief stint with the Harlem Globetrotters.
* Kareem Veal (born 1985), an American former professional basketball player who played for various teams in the NBA Development League. He is best known for being a member of the Drew College Preparatory Academy team that won the 2006 National Championship.
* David Veal, a British musician and member of the band The Stranglers, one of the most successful bands to emerge from the British punk rock movement of the late 1970s. He joined the band in 1980 and played keyboards on their albums "La Folie" (1984), "Dreamtime" (1986), and "The Gospel According to The Meninblack" (1990).

Genealogical research on the last name Veal

The surname Veal is of English origin, primarily found in the Midlands and southern counties. It is derived from the Middle English word "veil," meaning calf or lamb, indicating that an early ancestor was a butcher or farmer who raised young cattle or sheep. The earliest recorded reference of this name can be traced back to the 13th century in Norfolk, where Richard de la Veile was documented in the Hundred Rolls in 1273. Over time, several variants such as Veale, Vail, and Fail emerged due to spelling and phonetic differences. The Veal family spread across England during the Great Migration period, with some families migrating to America in the late 17th century and establishing settlements primarily in Virginia, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 June 2025

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