The surname Candell has its origins in England, with records dating back to the 13th century. The name is believed to be derived from the Old English words "candel" or "candele," meaning candle. This suggests that the name may have been initially an occupational surname for someone who made or sold candles.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Hundred Rolls of Oxfordshire from 1273, which mentions a John Candel. Another early reference is in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379, where a Thomas Candell is listed.
In the 16th century, the name appears in various spellings such as Candell, Candill, and Candall. These variations were common due to inconsistent spelling practices in those times.
The surname Candell is also associated with several place names in England, such as Candell Farm in Hertfordshire and Candell Street in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. These locations likely derived their names from individuals bearing the Candell surname who lived there or owned land in those areas.
Notable individuals with the Candell surname throughout history include:
1. William Candell (c. 1550 - 1628), an English clergyman and academic who served as the President of Corpus Christi College, Oxford.
2. John Candell (1612 - 1668), an English politician who served as a Member of Parliament for Hertfordshire in the 17th century.
3. Thomas Candell (1722 - 1789), a British naval officer who served in the Royal Navy during the 18th century.
4. Mary Candell (1776 - 1858), an English author and poet who wrote several works on religious and moral themes.
5. James Candell (1847 - 1923), a Scottish architect who designed notable buildings in Edinburgh and Glasgow in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
While the Candell surname has its roots in England, it has since spread to other parts of the world through migration and immigration. However, its origins can be traced back to the occupational and place name associations of medieval and early modern England.