Odell
An English locational surname from Odell in Bedfordshire, a place-name tied to the old barony of Wod(h)ull, meaning “wood hill.”
The #1,117 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 9,849 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Odell is a habitational surname from Odell in Bedfordshire. The place was earlier written in forms such as Wodhull/Wod(h)ull, which are usually explained as Old English elements for “wood” and “hill” — in other words, “wood hill.” Some 19th-century writers also note later Norman spelling influence, which helped the form drift toward Odell.
History
The surname began as an identifier for people who came from, or were associated with, Odell in Bedfordshire. Medieval records show the place connected with an old barony, and the family name appears in earlier forms such as Wahull and Wodehull before settling into Odell. It later spread beyond England and is now especially familiar in English-speaking countries, including the United States.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
The historical place-name behind Odell was associated with the great Domesday-era barony of Walter the Fleming, which is why older forms of the surname can look very different from the modern spelling.
From the historical record
“ODDIKER, an assim. form of OldaCre, q.v. ODELL (Eng.) Bel, to Odell (Beds), form. Wodhull = the Wood-Hill [M.E. wode, O.E. wudu + M.E. hull, O.E. hylQ Odell Castle ... is situated on an emmence in the midst of well-wooded grounds.— iVa/. Gaz.”
— Surnames of the United Kingdom: a concise etymological dictionary (2 vols in 1)Notable people named Odell
- Tom Odell (b. 1990)
Sourced from Wikidata; linked to their Wikipedia page.