Show ContentsFavel History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Favel was derived from the Old French word "fauvel" which means "follow-colored, tawny" and as such was a nickname.

Early Origins of the Favel family

The surname Favel was first found in Yorkshire where Eudo Faluel was listed in the Seals of Yorkshire 1160-76. A few years later, Rannulf fauuel was listed in the Pipe Rolls of Herefordshire in 1195. [1]

Early History of the Favel family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Favel research. Another 84 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1455 and 1487 are included under the topic Early Favel History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Favel Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years the English language had no fixed system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations occurred commonly in Anglo Norman surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Favel were recorded, including Favell, Vavell, Favel, Favill, Favall and others.

Early Notables of the Favel family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was

  • the Favell family of Yorkshire


United States Favel migration to the United States +

The unstable environment in England at this time caused numerous families to board ships and leave in search of opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad in places like Ireland, Australia, and particularly the New World. The voyage was extremely difficult, however, and only taken at great expense. The cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels caused many to arrive diseased and starving, not to mention destitute from the enormous cost. Still opportunity in the emerging nations of Canada and the United States was far greater than at home and many went on to make important contributions to the cultures of their adopted countries. An examination of many early immigration records reveals that people bearing the name Favel arrived in North America very early:

Favel Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Ferencz Favel, aged 32, who landed in America, in 1896
Favel Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Clorinda Tritinaglia Favel, aged 18, who immigrated to the United States, in 1924

Contemporary Notables of the name Favel (post 1700) +

  • Favel Parrett, Australian multiple award winning novelist, her first novel Past the Shadows was the winner of the 2012 Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIA)


The Favel Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: En dieu ma foi
Motto Translation: My faith is in God.


  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)


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