Surname Castell - Meaning and Origin
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Castell: What does the surname Castell mean?
The surname Castell is of Spanish and Catalan origin and is derived from the term "castell", which means "castle" in both languages. This surname might have served as a topographic name for someone who lived near a castle or as an occupational name for someone who worked at a castle, such as a servant, guard, or castellan (the governor of a castle). In a broader sense, the surname Castell signifies a strong, fortified, or safe place, reflecting the characteristics of a castle. Variations of the name include Castells, Castellanos, and Castelli among others. Over time, families bearing this surname have migrated and established themselves in various parts of the world, including Italy, France, and England.
Order DNA origin analysisCastell: Where does the name Castell come from?
The surname Castell is of Spanish and Catalan origin, derived from the term ‘castell’, meaning ‘castle’. The name is likely topographic, given to people who lived near a castle or served in a castle, or it could also be occupational, assumed by someone who worked at a castle. It may also denote someone from a place named Castell or Castells. The surname is quite common in regions where Spanish and Catalan are common languages, mainly Spain, and specifically in regions of Catalonia. Besides Spain, the name has spread to various parts of the world due to emigration. It could be found in Latin American countries, parts of the United States with a significant Hispanic population and in the Philippines, a former Spanish colony. In some cases, the surname might have been anglicised to Castle in English-speaking countries. The name variations may include Castells, Castillo, Castelli, and others.
Variations of the surname Castell
The surname Castell has several spelling variations and variations that could come from the same origin. These include Castells, Castel, Castle, Castles, Kastell, Castelle, Castello, and Castelli.
The surname, originating from Medieval Europe, is topographic — pertaining to people who lived or worked in or near a castle. The variations point to its geographical distribution across different countries and regions.
Castello is a common form in Italy and Spain. Castelli is an Italian plural form. In Spain, the surname is often further embellished to Castellano or Castellanos. The variation Castel is common in France. Castle and Castles are anglicised versions found in English-speaking countries.
In some cases, these surnames may also be locative surnames, adopted by individuals from places in Spain or Italy named Castell or Castello, or variants thereof.
Kastell is a variant more common in Germanic countries. In the Netherlands, 'Van Castell' could be a variant. It is also possible that some bearers of the surname Castell, in any of its forms, it could be an occupational surname derived from the Latin "castellum" meaning a watchtower, for someone who lived or worked at such a place.
Famous people with the name Castell
- Joanne Shelley Castell: An author recognized for penning various short stories and novels.
- Timothy Castell: A British physiologist and professor of gastroenterology.
- Daniel Castell: A popular music artist known for his electronic music.
- Osmond K. Castell: Famous architect and sculptor.
- Humberto Castell: Renowned visual artist.
- Lacy Castell: American country music artist.
- Pau Castell: Known for his work as an art director and costume designer in the film industry.
- Xavier Castell: A popular actor recognized for his performances in movies and television series.
- Antoine Castell: A French rugby player.
- Miquel Castell: Spanish actor known for his appearances in TV series and movies. Particularly, he is remembered for his role in ‘Cites’.