Gingell

The surname Gingell is of English origin and can be traced back to the late 12th century. It is believed to have originated from the Old English words "ging" meaning "a journey" and "gild" meaning "a guild or society". This suggests that the name may have been initially used as a descriptive name for someone who belonged to a traveling guild or group.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Gingell can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Gloucestershire in 1195, where a certain William Gingel is mentioned. This indicates that variations of the name were already in use in the late 12th century in the West Country region of England.

In the 13th century, the name appears in various forms such as "Gyngel", "Gingill", and "Gyngyl" in various records across different counties, including Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Wiltshire. This suggests that the name had spread across the southern and central regions of England during this period.

The Hundred Rolls of Bedfordshire, a census-like survey conducted in 1279, contains an entry for a John Gyngel, providing evidence of the name's use in the East of England during the latter part of the 13th century.

One notable historical figure bearing the surname Gingell was John Gingell, a prominent merchant and landowner who lived in the 15th century. He is mentioned in several records from the city of Bristol, where he held significant property and influence.

Another individual of note was William Gingell, a member of the Worshipful Company of Mercers in London during the 16th century. The Mercers' Company was one of the most prestigious livery companies in the city, indicating that William Gingell held a respected position within the mercantile community of the time.

In the 17th century, the surname Gingell appears in various parish records and legal documents across different counties, including Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, and Somerset. This suggests that the name maintained a strong presence in the West Country region during this period.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Gingell in North America can be found in the records of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the late 17th century, where a certain Thomas Gingell is mentioned as a landowner and resident of the colony.

Throughout history, the surname Gingell has also been associated with various place names and locations, such as Gingell Farm in Gloucestershire and Gingell's Green in Somerset, both of which likely derived their names from individuals bearing the surname.