Achel History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland

The origins of the Achel name lie with England's ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It comes from when the family lived in a clearing surrounded by oak trees. The surname Achel literally means oak-meadow. 1 The surname Achel is associated with the village of Acle in Norfolk, and the village of Akeley in Buckinghamshire.

Early Origins of the Achel family

The surname Achel was first found in Norfolk or Buckinghamshire. Of the two locations, Akeley (Akely) in Buckinghamshire seems to be the strongest place of origin for the surname. Located "in the union, hundred, and county of Buckingham, 2½ miles (N. by E.) from the town of Buckingham," 2

Akeley has remained small over the years as by the late 1800s, it only had a population of 362. 2 However, the parish dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086 when it was first listed as Achelei. 3

Some of the family were found in Whitworth, Durham in early years. "According to the Boldon book, this manor was held by Thomas de Acley, by the service of a quarter of a knight's fee." 2

Early History of the Achel family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Achel research. Another 295 words (21 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1273, 1500, 1610 and 1769 are included under the topic Early Achel History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Achel Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Achel were recorded, including Ackley, Acley, Acle, Ackle, Aclie, Acklie, Acly and others.

Early Notables of the Achel family

More information is included under the topic Early Achel Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Achel family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Achel family emigrate to North America: Henry Ackerly, who sailed to New Haven, Connecticut in 1640. Also, Nicholas Acly who arrived in Connecticut in 1655; William Ackley in Virginia in 1664.

Citations +

Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)