Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • All Collections
      • Census & Voter Lists
      • Birth, Marriage & Death
      • Military
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2006-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Bethell

      Origin

      English

      Meaning

      Derived from Beth And Well

      Variations

      Bethelle, Bethel, Ethelda
      The name Bethell derives from the English elements Beth, a diminutive form of Elizabeth, and well, which typically indicates a source of water or a spring. As such, Bethell can be interpreted as the well of Beth or the well associated with Elizabeth. This name embodies the qualities often ascribed to wells in historical contexts, such as nourishment, life, and community gathering. Its formation reflects a tradition in English naming conventions that combines personal names with geographic or natural features.

      The name Bethell has origins that can be traced back to medieval England, where surnames often developed from a combination of personal names and locational terms. The use of Bethell as both a surname and a given name suggests an established presence in English heritage, often associated with noble or landowning families. Historically, the name has been recorded in various forms, with its roots linked to both geographical locations and familial connections. Over the centuries, individuals with the surname Bethell have contributed to various fields, including politics, the arts, and academia, marking its significance in English history.

      In contemporary society, the name Bethell remains in use, although it is less common than many traditional English names. It can be found primarily as a surname, with individuals and families bearing it contributing to cultural and professional spheres. There are also instances of Bethell being utilized as a given name, reflecting a trend toward unique and historically rich names in modern times. With the resurgence of interest in traditional names and their meanings, Bethell may see further usage among those seeking to connect with their heritage.

      Based on our records...

      Robinson

      Robinson

      This is the most common surname associated with Bethell.
      Elizabeth

      Elizabeth

      This is the most common name of those married to a Bethell.
      Robert

      Robert

      This is the most common name for a child of a Bethell.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1898 is when there were the most people born with the first name Bethell.

      Explore the origins of another name.