Show ContentsArdel History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Ardel

What does the name Ardel mean?

The original Gaelic versions of today's Irish names demonstrate a proud, ancient past. The original Gaelic form of the name Ardel is Mac Ardghail, from the word "ardghal," which means "high valor."

Early Origins of the Ardel family

The surname Ardel was first found in County Louth (Irish: Lú) the smallest county in Ireland, located on the East coast, in the Province of Leinster, where they held a family seat from very ancient times.

Early History of the Ardel family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ardel research. Another 118 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1172 and 1592 are included under the topic Early Ardel History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ardel Spelling Variations

Many spelling variations of the surname Ardel can be found in the archives. One reason for these variations is that ancient scribes and church officials recorded names as they were pronounced, often resulting in a single person being recorded under several different spellings. The different spellings that were found include Cardle, McCardle, Cardell, McCardel, McCardell and others.

Early Notables of the Ardel family

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

Migration of the Ardel family

A great mass of Ireland's native population left the island in the 19th century, seeking relief from various forms of social, religious, and economic discrimination. This Irish exodus was primarily to North America. If the migrants survived the long ocean journey, many unfortunately would find more discrimination in the colonies of British North America and the fledgling United States of America. These newly arrived Irish were, however, wanted as a cheap source of labor for the many large agricultural and industrial projects that were essential to the development of what would become two of the wealthiest nations in the western world. Early immigration and passenger lists indicate many people bearing the Ardel name: Arthur, Edward, Henry, James, William Cardell all settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania between 1840 and 1860; James McCardle, also Michael, Owen, Patrick, Philip, Thomas, and James McArdy all settled in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860. Arthur, Peter, Philip and Mary McCardel settled in Pennsylvania between 1773 and 1845.


Contemporary Notables of the name Ardel (post 1700) +

  • Napoleon Ardel McCallum (b. 1963), former American college and professional football player inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame


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