Find out how popular the last name Passell is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Passell.

Passell, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Passell surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Passell in America

Passell is the 141788th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Passell surname appeared 108 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Passell.

The history of the last name Passell

The surname Passell likely has its origins in England, emerging during the Middle Ages. The earliest references to the name can be traced back to regions such as Kent and Sussex, areas known for their dense population and agricultural communities during the medieval period. The name itself appears to derive from the Old English or Middle English words, possibly linked to "pas" meaning "an entrance" or "a passage," and "sell," an Old English term for a seat or a large house. This etymology suggests that the original bearers of the surname might have been associated with a particular route or significant structure, perhaps as caretakers or guardians.

Historical documents from medieval England, including parish records and land ownership logs, offer some of the earliest instances of the surname Passell. For example, a Thomas Passell was noted in the Kent Assize Rolls of 1247, indicating a legal presence and acknowledgement of the surname. Additionally, the Hundred Rolls of 1273, a census commissioned by King Edward I, documented the surname in the same region, further confirming its use and prevalence in the 13th century.

One of the most notable historical figures bearing the surname was Sir Edmund Passell, a 15th-century knight born in 1420 and deceased in 1485. Sir Edmund was reputed for his military service during the Wars of the Roses, fighting on behalf of the Lancastrian cause. His contributions to his faction were acknowledged by a grant of lands, which subsequently enhanced the family's social standing.

In the 17th century, Elizabeth Passell, born in 1623 in Sussex, rose to local prominence through her philanthropic activities. She was renowned for her charitable contributions to educational institutions and had a lasting impact on her community through her support of various public works. Elizabeth's legacy is often cited in local historical texts that highlight the contributions of noteworthy residents.

The 18th century saw another significant figure: John Passell, born in 1758 in Kent. John was a prominent figure in the agricultural reform movement, advocating for modern farming techniques that would eventually lead to increased productivity and efficiency. His writings and lectures were influential, spreading innovative ideas that reshaped agricultural practices in Southern England.

In the 19th century, the surname migrated across the Atlantic, with individuals like Henry Passell, born in England in 1802 and later emigrating to the United States in 1830. Henry became a successful merchant in New York, integrating himself into the burgeoning commercial landscape of the young nation. His business acumen and civic involvement earned him a respected position within the community, and his descendants continued to contribute to the socio-economic development of the region.

Throughout history, the surname Passell has been linked with individuals who played significant roles in their respective fields, be it military, charitable, agricultural, or commercial. The name's evolution from its Old English roots reflects a rich tapestry of historical and social contexts, illustrating the dynamic legacy of the Passell lineage.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Passell

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Passell.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Passell was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Passell was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Passell, please contact us.

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