46,973 Global SAMUEL Family Members

SAMUEL Family History

This surname can be either Medieval English or Hebrew, the English form being introduced by the Crusaders in the 12th century, although the Jewish form is much later. The name translates as 'the Name of God' a meaning which no doubt contributed to its early popularity in England. Many such names were 'borrowed' by the Crusaders including Michael, Isaac and John, and all became surnames, and all developed variant forms. In this case Samuale is also recorded as Samwell and the patronymic Samuels, and all were recorded before the 14th century. Examples of early recordings include the singular form as Samuel in the Curia Regis Rolls of Kent in 1198, whilst in 1279 William Samwel is a land owner in the Hundred Rolls of Oxford for 1279...