Surname Bussell - Meaning and Origin
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Bussell: What does the surname Bussell mean?
The surname Bussell is of Anglo-Saxon origin and was derived from the name Bussel, which is believed to have been a nickname in Medieval England. The term "Bussel" is likely to have originated from the Middle English words "busshel" or "bushel", referring to someone who was robust or of large stature, much like a bushel, a unit of measurement for dry quantities, such as grain or apples.
Alternatively, some sources state that the surname Bussell may have originated from a geographic location, and was given to individuals who lived near a bushy hill or area. This is inferred from the old English words "busc" meaning bush and "hyll" indicating a hill.
Like many surnames, the exact origin and meaning of Bussell may slightly differ based on social and regional contexts. The variations of the name include Bushell, Bussel, and Buisel. It's also important to proceed caution when tracing family history, as surnames could often be changed, misspelled, or translated differently over generations.
Order DNA origin analysisBussell: Where does the name Bussell come from?
The surname Bussell is derived from an Old English personal name, Bussell, which is composed of the elements "boga," meaning bow and "sige," meaning victory. It mostly originated in early medieval England, suggesting that the first bearer of this name was a successful archer.
Over centuries and due to migration and settlement, the surname spread to other English-speaking nations, including the United States, Australia, and Canada. It is also quite prevalent in England. Despite its diffusion, this surname is fairly uncommon, making it somewhat unique in many societies where it is found. Genealogical research implies that most Bussells today are likely related, sharing a common ancestor dating back to medieval times when surnames first began to be used. Hence, the name Bussell might tell a story of ancestral profession, hinting at a lineage of victorious archers in medieval England.
Variations of the surname Bussell
The surname Bussell is mainly derived from England, originating from a location in Normandy named "Buci." It comes from the pre 7th-century word "burc," or "busce," meaning a bush. This surname has numerous variations due to regional accents and phonetics, along with different spellings over time.
Variants and spellings for Bussell include: Bushell, Buschel, Bushill, Busshell, Boushell, Buscel, Bucelle, Boissel, Bessell, Boswell, and Bosewell. These variants have been used interchangeably over years and across regions due to evolving language and migration.
As for the surnames of the same origin, they include names like Busch, Bosch, Bussey, Busce, and Bush. These are all potentially derived from the same roots and carry similar meanings. The suffixes "-ell" and "-ill" are diminutives and convey 'little bush' or 'small bush.'
The process of surname evolution frequently resulted in many spelling variants of the same original surname. Some of the first settlers of this family name in the United States used variations of the original spelling of the surname. Therefore, it is common to find the surname Bussell listed under many different spellings in early American records. It's also worth noting that a surname could have also been influenced by the profession of the bearer or their geographical location.
Famous people with the name Bussell
- Darcey Bussell: She is a retired English ballerina and a judge on the BBC television dance contest 'Strictly Come Dancing'. Known for her career with the Royal Ballet, she is one of the most famous ballerinas of the late 20th century.
- John Bussell: He was a leading settler and explorer in Western Australia.
- Joseph Bussell: A British art director known for his work in television and film. He won an Academy Award for his set decoration on the film "Oliver!".
- Michael Bussell: A retired United States Air Force general.
- Wayne Bussell: An American bishop of the United Methodist Church.
- Bussell Family: An influential family in the British settlement and development of the Swan River Colony in Western Australia.