6,709 Global Fell Family Members

Fell Family History

This Cumberland surname is of Norse-Viking origin, and derives from the pre 9th Century Scandinavian "Fjall", describing one who lives on a mountain. The name can also be locational from one of the various Northern villages such as Fell, Fellside and Fellgate. There is also a possibility that in a few cases the name can be a metonymic for a Fellmonger, a dealer in skins. What is certain is that no less than eight Coats of Arms ave been granted to the Fells, and that of the nine notable namebearers recorded in the "National Biography", eight were Christian divines! This ecclesiastical list includes Leonard Fell, who was imprisoned as a Quaker and for refusing to pay tithes, and on one occasion when being robbed by a highwayman, so impressed this "gentleman of the road" with his Christian views, that his goods were returned.