Gambell History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe name Gambell reached English shores for the first time with the ancestors of the Gambell family as they migrated following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The name Gambell is based on the given name Gamel, which was common among the Danes and the Normans. The name Gambell was ultimately derived from the Old Norman word Gamall, which means old. Another source notes: "this surname is derived from the name of an ancestor. 'the son of Gamel,' a once popular but now forgotten North-English personal name. It is compounded with many local names. The modern accepted surname form is Gamble and Gambles." 1 Early Origins of the Gambell familyThe surname Gambell was first found in the Domesday Book of 1086 where Gamel is listed. 2 Later in Yorkshire, Gamel Auceps was listed in the Pipe Rolls of 1158 and later again, Simon Gamel was found in the Assize Rolls for Lincolnshire in 1202. Back in Yorkshire, Adam Gamel was listed in the Assize Rolls of 1260. Jordan Gambel was also listed in 1297. 3 The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 mentions Huttred filius Gamelli in Northumberland and Alan filius Gamel in Shropshire. Much later, the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 include: Elena Gamyll; Henricus Gamyll; Johannes Gamyll; and Johannes Gamolson as all holding lands there at that time. 1 "Fitz Gamell is also found. From the Anglo-Saxon gamol or gamel, old, aged. It is compounded with some Domesday names, as Gamel-bar, ' old bear' - Gamel-carle, 'old male,' - both in Yorkshire." 4 Early History of the Gambell familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gambell research. Another 61 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1158, 1297, 1450, 1618, 1629, 1640, 1659, 1663, 1666, 1670, 1687, 1865 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Gambell History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Gambell Spelling VariationsThe English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason, spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. Gambell has been recorded under many different variations, including Gamble, Gambel, Gambol and others. Early Notables of the Gambell familyOutstanding amongst the family at this time was John Gamble (died 1687), composer and musician in the court of King Charles I of England and King Charles II of... Migration of the Gambell family to IrelandSome of the Gambell family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
To escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Gambells were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: Gambell Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
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