Shimwell Family History

Probably a variant of Shimell (see Shemeld) with a folk etymological interpretation of -ell as a casual pronunciation of -well. South Hykeham, where the name is recorded in the late 16th century, is 15 miles from Belton, where the surname Symeld occurs in 1332 Subsidy Rolls (Lincs). Compare Alicia Shemeld 1611, William Shimwell 1755 in IGI (Chesterfield, Derbys); Ruth Shimell 1755, Elizabeth Shimwell 1801 in IGI (Ault Hucknall, Derbys).

Apparently from a place-name meaning ‘shining stream’ (Middle English shim + well), but this has not been definitely located. There is Shining Well in Darley Dale (only known from an 1836 map; Place-Names of Derbys p. 83), suitably placed for Bakewell and Chesterfield Poor Law Unions where the name is most numerous in 1880.

The surname could derive from an earlier name for that, but lack of evidence makes this doubtful.