The name Lovell is an English surname that originated as a locational name from various areas in England. It is derived from the Old English words "luf," meaning love or affection, and "hyll," meaning hill. The earliest recorded use of the name dates back to the 12th century, when it was spelled Luvell or Lufell.

In the 13th century, the name appeared in several historical records, including the Pipe Rolls of Warwickshire in 1203, where it was spelled Luvell. During this period, it was common for people to take on locational surnames based on the place they were born or lived.

The name Lovell gained prominence in the 14th century when it was borne by several notable individuals. One of the earliest recorded bearers was Sir John Lovell (c. 1330-1408), a prominent English military commander who served under Edward III during the Hundred Years' War. He was also a member of the Order of the Garter.

Another famous bearer of the name was Francis Lovell (c. 1456-1487), a close ally of Richard III and a key figure in the Wars of the Roses. He was one of the few supporters who remained loyal to Richard III after the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485.

In the 16th century, the name Lovell was associated with several individuals involved in the exploration and colonization of the New World. One notable example is Sir Robert Lovell (c. 1570-1629), an English explorer and colonist who was part of the Virginia Company and helped establish the Jamestown colony in 1607.

The name Lovell also appeared in literary works, such as in the play "The Tragedy of Richard III" by William Shakespeare, where a character named Lord Lovell is featured.

Other notable bearers of the name include James Lovell (1737-1814), an American educator and revolutionary who signed the Continental Association in 1774, and Jim Lovell (born 1928), an American astronaut who was the commander of the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission in 1970.