Surname Randel - Meaning and Origin

Randel: What does the surname Randel mean?

The surname Randel is of German origin and is derived from the name Randolph. Randolph is a compound of two ancient German elements: 'Ran' which means shield, and 'Dolf' or 'wulf' which means wolf. Thus, the name Randel can be interpreted as "Shield wolf". The wolf symbolizes a strong, enduring, courageous, and intelligent being in Germanic mythology, while the shield represents protection.

It's important to note that surnames were often used to describe ancestors' characteristics, traits, or their occupation. This suggests that the original bearer of the name might have been someone perceived as a strong protector or defender within their community.

However, the exact meaning can also be influenced by the regional variant, other linguistic or cultural influences, or spelling variations over time and geographical distance.

Randel: Where does the name Randel come from?

Randel is a surname of English origin. It is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in England's South West region around Cornwall and Devon. It can also be found in small concentrations across North and South America, such as Brazil, the United States, and Canada.

Randel is derived from a personal name, likely a variation of Randall, which itself is derived from the Germanic name Randwulf, meaning “shield wolf.” This was a popular surname among Medieval English knights who adopted it as an assumed name, thus it is likely that the Randel surname derives from this medieval practice.

Today, the surname Randel remains popular in the United Kingdom and can also be found spread out across other parts of the world. Randels living in North America are mostly descended from immigrants who fled the British Isles, primarily during the 19th century. Additionally, many people of Basque descent in Spain and the US also often carry this name.

The Randel surname is not overly common and often abides specific regions. Those with the surname today are likely descended from the Norman or Victorian era British immigrants who brought it to North America or from the Basque region in Spain.

Variations of the surname Randel

The surname Randel has a few variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common version is Randel, but it can also be spelled as Randalle, Randall, Randell, Rendell, and Randle.

The meaning of the surname Randel is derived from the Old French given name Randel which is a shortened form of the Germanic name Randwulf meaning "shield-wolf". It was common for medieval surnames to be derived from given names in this way.

Randel is most commonly found in countries such as the United States, England, Scotland, France, Canada, and Australia. Many people of English and Scottish heritage bear this surname as it was brought to North America by European settlers in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include Randal, Randol, Randolf, Randolfe, Rendall, Rendol, Rendolf, Rendolff, Rand, Ranold, Rantall, and Rendle. The Polish version of the surname is Radzil and the German version is Röhndel or Rohndel. The Irish version of the surname is Randel.

In the United States, the biggest concentration of Randel’s is in Texas and California. The oldest recorded bearer of the name that was ever found was a Randel Doun, who was mentioned in the cartulary of St Michael in 1206.

Famous people with the name Randel

• Mac Randel: American actor and producer best known for his role in the 2021 film 'The Falcon and the Winter Soldier'
• John Randel Jr.: 19th-century American surveyor who surveyed and marked the New York City grid plan
• Chris Randel: Grammy Award-winning American recording engineer, record producer and composer
• Mike Randel: American professional baseball player who played for the Minnesota Twins from 1983 to 1988
• Kirsten Randel: American actress and singer best known for her roles on television series including 'Love & Hip Hop: Miami' and 'Floribama Shore'
• Daniel Randel: Dutch politician and member of the German People's Party from 1904 to 1917
• Jay Randel: American television producer and actor who has appeared in a number of television series and films, including 'Grey's Anatomy'
• Brandon Randel: American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Detroit Pistons
• Mark Randel: Emmy Award-winning American cinematographer, television director and producer
• Jody Randel: American television writer and producer who has written and produced for series such as 'House of Cards' and 'The Bold Type'

Other surnames

Randell