Kell History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  England 
  Ireland 


The Anglo-Saxon name Kell comes from the family having resided near a well or spring; keld was a common word in the north of England for these. According to some experts, the surname Kell is also occasionally derived from the Old Norse word ketill, which means cauldron and sometimes refers to such an object used in sacrificial rites. 1

Early Origins of the Kell family

The surname Kell was first found in Hampshire, but the name could have derived from the place name Keld of which there are two in England: Keld (or Keilde), a hamlet in Cumbria; and Keld, another hamlet in North Yorkshire. Another reference claims the name was "formerly written Cail, and said by the family to be derived from Cailly in Normandy. " 2

Early History of the Kell family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kell research. Another 158 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1176, 1311, 1379, 1524, 1739 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Kell History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Kell Spelling Variations

Kell has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Spelling variants included: Kell, Kel, Kelle, Keld and others.

Early Notables of the Kell family

Distinguished members of the family include

Kell Ranking

In the United States, the name Kell is the 4,964th most popular surname with an estimated 4,974 people with that name. 3

Migration of the Kell family to Ireland

Some of the Kell family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 57 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Kell migration to the United States +

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Kells to arrive on North American shores:

Kell Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Kell Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Kell Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Kell migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Kell Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Kell migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Kell Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Kell (post 1700) +
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