This page needs Javascript enabled in order to work properly. Click here for instructions on how to enable it in your browser.
Surname Header Image
Get access to Etchells family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Etchells Family History

Etchells Surname Meaning

English (Lancashire and Chesire): topographic name from Middle English echeles ‘piece of land added to an estate’ (Old English ēcels) or a habitational name from any of various places called with this word. The term is frequently found in north and central England as the name of small farms and hamlets.

For example, it can be seen in places such as Echills Wood, Nechells (Warwickshire), Nechells, Neachill (Staffordshire), and Hitchells (Yorkshire). These locations exemplify the usage of the term in geographical names.

The name reflects the historical practice of land ownership and the expansion of estates during medieval times. It signifies additional land that was possibly used for agricultural purposes or as an extension of an estate.

This nomenclature is indicative of a wider trend in the region where small farms and hamlets retain names that highlight their topographical features and historical significance.

Moreover, the presence of similar names in areas like Derbyshire and Cheshire underscores the term's regional prevalence and its importance in understanding local heritage.

Source: Dictionary of American Family Names 2nd edition, 2022


Similar surnames

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Etchells family from?

You can see how Etchells families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Etchells family name was found in the USA, the UK, Canada, and Scotland between 1880 and 1920. The most Etchells families were found in United Kingdom in 1891. In 1891 there were 757 Etchells families living in Lancashire. This was about 57% of all the recorded Etchells's in United Kingdom. Lancashire had the highest population of Etchells families in 1891.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Etchells surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.

What did your Etchells ancestors do for a living?

In 1939, General Labourer and Unpaid Domestic Duties were the top reported jobs for men and women in the United Kingdom named Etchells. 9% of Etchells men worked as a General Labourer and 73% of Etchells women worked as an Unpaid Domestic Duties. Some less common occupations for Americans named Etchells were Bricklayer and Domestic Duties Unpaid.

View Census Data for Etchells | Data not to scale

*We display top occupations by gender to maintain their historical accuracy during times when men and women often performed different jobs.

Top Male Occupations In 1939

  • General Labourer
    9%
  • Dairy Farmer
    9%
  • Cotton Spinner
    8%
  • Bricklayer
    8%

Top Female Occupations In 1939

  • Unpaid Domestic Duties
    73%
  • Incapacitated
    2%
  • Domestic Duties
    2%
  • Domestic Duties Unpaid
    2%

What Etchells family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 14,000 census records available for the last name Etchells. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Etchells census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Etchells

Passenger Lists

There are 1,000 immigration records available for the last name Etchells. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the UK, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Etchells immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 1,000 military records available for the last name Etchells. For the veterans among your Etchells ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Etchells military records

You've only scratched the surface of Etchells family history

Discover More

What is the average Etchells lifespan?

Between 1963 and 2004, in the United States, Etchells life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1969, and highest in 1963. The average life expectancy for Etchells in 1963 was 93, and 70 in 2004.

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Etchells ancestors lived in harsh conditions. A short lifespan might also indicate health problems that were once prevalent in your family. The SSDI is a searchable database of more than 70 million names. You can find birthdates, death dates, addresses and more.

Discover the unique achievements of ancestors in the Etchells family tree

Explore Your Tree
Search for another surname
Enter last name/surname
Start a 14-Day Free Trial