| ![Show Contents]() Bettell History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Etymology of BettellWhat does the name Bettell mean? The Bettell surname is thought to have been an occupational name from someone who built or used "a beetle, an instrument for driving in wedges, ramming down paving-stones." 1 Alternatively, another source claims the name was a local surname for "one who came from Beetley (wood where wooden mallets were obtained), in Norfolk." 2 Beetley is a parish, in the union of Mitford and Launditch, hundred of Launditch in Norfolk near East Dereham. 3 This parish dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086 when it was first listed as Betellea. 4 Literally the place name means "clearing where beet is grown," from the Old English words "bete" + "leah." 5 And yet another source claims the name is "a corruption of Bedel or Beadle-the office." 6 Interestingly, none of the sources claim any relationship with the insect! Early Origins of the Bettell familyThe surname Bettell was first found in Berkshire where the Assize Rolls of 1248 list Gilbert Betyl. A few years later, John Betel was listed in the Assize Rolls of Kent in 1317. 1 Early History of the Bettell familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bettell research. Another 45 words (3 lines of text) covering the years 1502, 1544, 1561, 1571, 1589, 1595, 1627, 1632, 1641 and 1642 are included under the topic Early Bettell History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Bettell Spelling VariationsUntil the dictionary, an invention of only the last few hundred years, the English language lacked any comprehensive system of spelling rules. Consequently, spelling variations in names are frequently found in early Anglo-Saxon and later Anglo-Norman documents. One person's name was often spelled several different ways over a lifetime. The recorded variations of Bettell include Beatell, Beatle, Beetell, Betell and others. Early Notables of the Bettell familyAnother 41 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Bettell Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Bettell family to IrelandSome of the Bettell family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 161 words (12 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Bettell familyThousands of English families boarded ships sailing to the New World in the hope of escaping the unrest found in England at this time. Although the search for opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad took the lives of many because of the cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels, the opportunity perceived in the growing colonies of North America beckoned. Many of the settlers who survived the journey went on to make important contributions to the transplanted cultures of their adopted countries. The Bettell were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: John Bedwell, who came to Somers Islands in 1662; Elizabeth Bedwell, who arrived in Virginia in 1664; Hugh Bidwell, who arrived in South Carolina sometime between 1670 and 1679.
- Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
- Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
- 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)
- Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
- Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
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