Horsnell Family History

The name originates from Middle English horsenail meaning ‘horseshoe nail’. The motivation for this name remains uncertain; it might have been metonymic for a farrier. However, the earliest recorded bearer of the name owned a sizable house (a mesagium) in Bridgnorth, suggesting he was a freeholder of some substance.

More likely, the name was metaphorical for a small person with a large head. This interpretation is supported by Edward Topsell's reference to tadpoles, which he called in English Horse-nailes. Topsell noted they resemble a Horse-naile in their form, having a great head and a smaller body.

The reference dates back to 1608 and can be found in the OED. The weird analogy of this name to certain characteristics speaks to the creativity of language and how it evolves over time.

For further understanding of the etymology, one can compare with the term Cabot, which shares some linguistic attributes.