Butwell Family History

Perhaps a rationalization of Buttle or Bowtell; compare Dianes Buttle 1598 in PROB 11 (Stanton Saint John Oxon) with the Oxon form of 1740. Perhaps from Botwell in Hayes (Middx). The place-name is from Old English bōt ‘healing remedy’ + wielle or the like ‘stream spring’.

A place called Botewelleslade (Leics) is mentioned in 1307 in Patent Rolls which may suggest an alternative unconfirmed origin. It is not clear that the first bearer is relevant but no other medieval instances have come to light.