Surname Metherel - Meaning and Origin

Metherel: What does the surname Metherel mean?

The last name Metherel is of French origin dating back to the medieval period. It originated as a toponymic surname derived from a hamlet called Metherel, which is located in the commune of Reffroy in Normandy. It is suggested that the name Metherel refers to a place where components of a hop cone are removed.

During the Middle Ages, Metherel was a common toponymic surname in the region. According to French genealogists Michel Chevalier and Maurice Farin, Metherel families were recorded as living in Normandy as far back as 1242. They also often appeared in local parish records since the 13th century.

The early forms of the surname Metherel include Meterel, Metherell, Mathurin, Martin, and Jean. It would eventually be adopted in different parts of Europe as it spread throughout the diaspora. The last name Metherel is typically found in France, Canada, and the United States.

The Metherel surname has become more popular in recent years due to its association with the French royalty. The most famous example being Eliza Normore, the sister of Marie Antoinette, who married the Count of Metherel in the late 18th century. This has intrigued many people who are interested in researching their French ancestry.

Overall, the last name Metherel is a reminder of French history that evokes a unique sense of heritage and identity.

Metherel: Where does the name Metherel come from?

The last name Metherel is most commonly associated with the British Isles, particularly the United Kingdom. The majority of instances of the name are found in England, with over a thousand Metherels listed in the 1881 British census. It’s also been found in scattered locations around Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, although it’s far less common.

Today, the name is still found throughout the United Kingdom, and although records are scant, it’s also known to be recorded in Canada and the United States. Research published by the Hispid Research Network indicates that Metherel families in the United States are mainly descended from those who left the British Isles in the 19th or 20th centuries, and variations of the name, such as Matherell and Methrell, are still found in Australia and New Zealand. It’s rare, but the name may also be found in France and Germany as a result of immigration to these countries in the 19th century.

The inadvertent adoption of the name by other families has complicated the tracking of the Metherel lineage. But as of 2020, research indicates that the Metherel name is still relatively common in the British Isles and shared by many.

Variations of the surname Metherel

The surname Metherel is believed to be of a Norman origin and derived from the French word 'mouther', which refers to a mother or female guardian. It has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin, including Matharell, Metherell, Methrell, Mithrell and Muthrell. Other variants and spellings include Methral, Mathrel, Matheral, Matherall, Mathoril and Muthoril.

The surname Metherel was first found in Devon, where they were Lords of the Manor of Pridhamsleigh and held a family seat from ancient times. Various branches of the Metherel family have held lands and titles throughout England since the 12th century. In Norfolk, a branch of the Metherel family was granted lands and titles in the 13th century when Sir William Metherel was given lands near North Erpingham. The Metherel name appears on the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379.

Other variants and surnames of the same origin include Matharell, Matherall, Mattherell, Methrall and Metrel. Some of these variants were popular in the Middle Ages and some, such as Matharel, are still used as a first name today in some parts of Britain. The surname Methrell is also thought to be a derivative of this surname.

The primary spelling of the Metherel surname has been found in countries all around the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Variants of the surname have also been found in numerous European countries, such as Germany, France, Italy, and Spain.

Famous people with the name Metherel

• Gordon Metherel: British writer, director and actor most notably known for writing and directing the film Rancid Aluminium (2000).
• Phil Metherel: Canadian actor, best known for appearing in the television series Four Rooms (2005-6).
• Charley Metherel: American entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist. He is the founder and CEO of Metherel Reality Inc.
• Terry Metherel: American singer and songwriter who is most well-known for being the vocalist for the band The Donkies.
• Beth Metherel: American businesswoman and entrepreneur who was the founder and CEO of BMetherel Ventures Inc.
• Henry Metherel: Canadian-born actor, known for his guest-starring roles in popular television shows such as Supernatural (2005-7).
• Peter Metherel: Canadian actor and comedian, best known for his roles in the movies Love In The Time of Cholera (2007) and The Big Year (2012).
• Jordan Metherel: Australian-born actor most well-known for his appearances in the TV series All Saints (2003).
• Joshua Metherel: American football player, most notably known for his role as a linebacker and special teams player for the Buffalo Bills (2014-2019).
• James Metherel: British actor who has appeared in multiple British television shows, such as Doc Martin (2004-2006) and Heartbeat (2006).

Other surnames

MetherallMetherellMetherill