Fell — Family Name, Records and Arms

The Fell last name has English roots. The usual explanation, from Elsdon Smith, is “dweller on, or near, the rocky mountain; one who dealt in hides or furs”.

Surname origin

It is a topographic name, describing where an early bearer lived. Related forms include Fells and Fels.

How common is Fell?

In the 2010 US Census, 6,429 Americans gave Fell as their last name (rank 5,414). French birth records list 167 children named Fell between 1891 and 2000. Names that sound alike, such as Fall, are easily confused in old records.

Family crest and blazon

If a Fell family bore arms, our report explains whose they were and what the blazon shows.

For the full story, order the Fell surname pack.