Greenwell History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe ancestors of the name Greenwell date back to the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The name is derived from when the Greenwell family lived as dwellers beside the green grassy hill or body of water. The name comes from the Old English words "green," and "well." No doubt, the first to use this surname were a family who lived on lush green ground near a well, spring or stream. As such, the surname is classed as a topographic surname, one based on physical features near the residence, such as hills, streams, churches, etc. Early Origins of the Greenwell familyThe surname Greenwell was first found in Durham where they held a family seat from very ancient times, as Lords of the manor of Greenwell in the parish of Walsingham, and are descended from Gulielmus the Presbyter who held those lands in 1183. His son James assumed the name of the lands, Greenwell. 1 "Greenwell is a very ancient Durham surname. The Greenwells of Stobilee, who carry their pedigree back to the beginning of the 16th century, seem to have been one of the principal stocks in modern times; the property of Broomshields has been for four centuries in the possession of a branch of this family." 2 Early History of the Greenwell familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Greenwell research. Another 96 words (7 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Greenwell History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Greenwell Spelling VariationsIt is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Greenwell are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Greenwell include: Grenwell, Greenwell, Greenwall, Grenwall and others. Early Notables of the Greenwell familyDistinguished members of the family include
Greenwell RankingIn the United States, the name Greenwell is the 5,993rd most popular surname with an estimated 4,974 people with that name. 3
Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Greenwell or a variant listed above: Greenwell Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Greenwell Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Greenwell Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
Greenwell Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
Some of the first settlers of this family name were: Greenwell Settlers in Canada in the 20th Century
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