Surname Sorrell - Meaning and Origin

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Embark on a journey of self-discovery with me as I delve into genetics through an iGENEA DNA test. Discover how this tool traced my ancestry back to ancient times, unraveled fascinating facts about my surname Sorrell, and connected me with long-lost relatives.

C. Sorrell

Sorrell: What does the surname Sorrell mean?

The last name Sorrell is of Old French origin and is primarily associated with individuals of British or French descent. Sorrell is derived from the Old French term "sorel" which means reddish brown. It was often used as a nickname for a person with reddish-brown hair or a ruddy complexion. So, in essence, the surname is associated with a particular physical characteristic. Since medieval scribes primarily recorded names as they sounded, variations in the spelling of the name, such as Sorrel, Sorell, and Sorrill were common. Today, these different versions are considered separate yet related last names. It should be noted that surnames, including Sorrell, could also potentially originate from geographical locations, trades, or significant events. It's also possible that the surname may have evolved from the name of the sorrel plant, a common herb in Europe, which symbolizes affection and parental tenderness.

Sorrell: Where does the name Sorrell come from?

The last name Sorrell is most commonly found in the United States, concentrated in the states of Oklahoma, Texas, Massachusetts, and Virginia. It can also be found regularly in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Alberta, as well as in the United Kingdom.

Sorrell is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is believed to have derived from the term "sorell" which means ‘the son of a sorrel-haired one.’ The name likely passed on through several mutations to become the Sorrell we recognize now. It is likely that the first Sorrell settlers in the US and Canada were immigrants from England.

In the modern day, the Sorrell family can be found settled all over the US, primarily between Oklahoma and Virginia. In Canada, most members of the Sorrell family live in Ontario and Alberta. In the United Kingdom, the name is still favoured in London and East Anglia, as well as in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Derbyshire.

The Sorrell family is an active and close-knit community that's spread out around the North American continent. As members have moved around or have children who have moved away, they remain connected today. This is facilitated through various Sorrell branches scattered throughout the US, UK, and Canada.

Variations of the surname Sorrell

The surname Sorrell is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is most commonly found in the UK. Variants of the surname include Sorel, Sorell, Sorells and Sorels. There are several other spelling variations including Sorall and Sorrill. The surname may also be found as Surrell, Sourill, Sourall, and Surall.

Sorrell is believed to have originated as a topographical name referring to people who lived by a spring or stream. It was derived from the Old French es oreill, which means ‘at the spring’. Such a surname would have been given to someone who lived near, or at the source of a river or stream.

The surname is also thought to have been derived from the personal name Sorrel, a pet form of the name Sorel. This was a diminutive of the Norman French name Sorent or Sorentil, which itself was derived from the Germanic personal name Sigewulf. Other related spellings include Sourdall and Sordell.

In addition to Sorrell, there are a number of other surnames of similar origin. These include Surrell, Sourill, Sourall, and Surall. Related spellings include Sourdall and Sordell. This surname is also found in Scotland, where it is recorded as Sorrell. It is also recorded in Ireland, where variants of the surname are originated with the O’Sorley, O’Surrey, and O’Surral clans.

Famous people with the name Sorrell

• Angela Sorrell: Angela Sorrell is an Australian actor, director, and instructor. Through her work at NIDA, she has dedicated her life to teaching others how to craft theatre in an inclusive and meaningful way.
• Stephanie Sorrell: Stephanie is a professional writer, speaker, and life-mentor based in Hawaii, helping others to discover and pursue their own happiness.
• Roy Sorrell: Roy Sorrell is a professional oceanographer and marine biologist specializing in coral reef ecosystems, sustainable fisheries, and coastal development.
• Cassandra Sorrell: Cassandra is an American authoress who wrote the critically acclaimed novel “A Widow’s Tale”, a post-apocalyptic story.
• Michael Sorrell: Michael Sorrell is the current President of Paul Quinn College, a HBCU located in Dallas, Texas.
• Mary Sorrell: Mary Sorrell is the current mayor of Bowling Green, Kentucky.
• Andrew Sorrell: Andrew Sorrell is a professional skateboarder and musician who has won multiple skateboard competitions and released several music albums.
• Sue Sorrell: Sue Sorrell is the current Senior Vice President of the National Museum of Natural History, part of the Smithsonian Institution.
• Nick Sorrell: Nick Sorrell is a minor league baseball player for the Atlanta Braves organization.
• Fred Sorrell: Fred Sorrell is an Australian professional racing driver who competed in the World Rally Championship and other relevant tournaments.

Other surnames

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