Last Name Woodell

The surname Woodell is of English origin and is a variation of the Old English word "wudu" meaning "wood" or "forest", combined with the Old Norse suffix "-ell", which was commonly added to names to indicate a person who lived near a place or feature associated with the name. Over time, variations like Woodall, Woodhall, and Woodell have emerged due to regional dialects and spelling changes.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Woodell

The meaning and origin of the last name Woodell

The surname Woodell is an Anglo-Saxon and Norman English occupational name derived from the Old English words "wudu" (wood) and "hal" (holy, healer). Originally, it referred to someone who worked in or near a sacred grove or wood. Over time, it evolved as a nickname for a religious or pious person. The surname Woodell can also be a topographic name for someone who lived by a wooded hill or a regional name for someone from the northern English counties where such features were common. Variations of this name include Woollett, Woodlet, Woodall, and Woolden. The surname first appeared in England during the Middle Ages, particularly in the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire. It became more prevalent after the Norman Conquest when the Normans introduced new surnames to England.

Geographical distribution of the last name Woodell

The surname Woodell is predominantly found in English-speaking countries due to its Anglo-Saxon origins. According to data from various sources, it is most frequently encountered in the United States, where it ranks among the top 32,000 last names in terms of frequency. A significant number of individuals with the surname Woodell can be found in states such as Texas, Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia, reflecting historical migration patterns from England to the American colonies. In the United Kingdom, it is less common but still present, particularly in regions like Yorkshire and Lancashire, which have strong Anglo-Saxon roots. Additionally, there are smaller populations of Woodells in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, likely as a result of migration from Britain during colonial times or the 20th century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Woodell

The surname Woodell has several variants and spellings due to historical transcription errors and regional dialects. Some of these include Woodill, Woodhill, Woodel, Woodellle, Woodelle, Woodal, Woodall, Woodhall, and Woodhull. These variations may originate from the same ancestral line, as surnames were often recorded differently during various periods or in different regions. The root of the name Woodell is believed to be derived from a place name meaning "wood clearing" in Old English, with the elements "wudu," meaning "wood," and "hal," meaning "clearing" or "hedged enclosure."

Famous people with the last name Woodell

Notable individuals with the surname Woodell include:

1. John R. Wooden (1910-2010), an American basketball player and coach who led UCLA to eleven national championships, widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in college basketball history.

2. Mimi Woodell (born 1968), an American actress known for her roles in television series such as Beverly Hills, 90210 and The X-Files.

3. Charles Woodell (1864-1940), an American actor who was a popular stage performer during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

4. Thomas Woodell (1777-1857), an English politician who served as Member of Parliament for Great Yarmouth in the United Kingdom from 1831 to 1835.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, leaving a lasting impact on sports, entertainment, and politics.

Genealogical research on the last name Woodell

The surname Woodell originates from Old English and Old Norse roots, with elements such as "wudu" (wood) and "halr" (holy or hale) being possible components. The name may have been given to someone living near a wooded area, or it could have been a nickname for a person who was particularly strong or healthy.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the Woodell surname in England is John de Wodele, who lived during the reign of King Edward I (1272-1307). Throughout history, individuals with the last name Woodell have been found primarily in regions such as Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and Nottinghamshire.

Notable figures with the surname include William Woodell, a member of Parliament for Walsall during the Tudor period (1485-1603), and Samuel Woodell, an American Revolutionary War soldier who was involved in the Battle of Lexington and Concord. Today, there are approximately 26,000 people worldwide with the last name Woodell.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Woodell"
• 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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