Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Tell

      Origin

      German

      Meaning

      Gorge

      Variations

      Telly, Stella, Stellan
      The name Tell has its origins in German and derives its meaning from the word Gorge. This name can be traced back to the historical figure William Tell, who played a significant role in Swiss folklore. William Tell was a legendary marksman from the early 14th century, known for his exceptional archery skills and his role in the Swiss struggle for independence against the Habsburg rulers.

      Tell's daring feat of shooting an apple off his son's head became the iconic tale associated with him. This courageous act of defiance against the ruling authorities symbolized the fight for freedom. Over time, this legendary figure captured the imagination of many, and the name Tell became synonymous with courage, skill, and the unwavering pursuit of liberty.

      In modern-day usage, the name Tell continues to hold a place of prominence. It is commonly used as a name, effectively linking individuals to their Swiss heritage or demonstrating their connection to the legendary William Tell. Furthermore, the name Tell has gained popularity as a given name, evoking a sense of bravery and strength. Its usage reflects an appreciation for historical figures who embody the virtues of heroism and symbolize the will to resist oppression, making the name Tell enduring in both history and contemporary society.

      Based on our records...

      Smith

      Smith

      This is the most common surname associated with Tell.
      Emil

      Emil

      This is the most common name of those married to a Tell.
      Joyce

      Joyce

      This is the most common name for a child of a Tell.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1879 is when there were the most people born with the first name Tell.

      Explore the origins of another name.