Background: The name may derive from the French "bel," meaning fair , beautiful, or handsome. Since the derivation is descriptive, common ancestry cannot be assumed for all those bearing the surname. The name was sometimes taken from the sign of an inn or shop. The sign of a bell was frequently used - "John at the Bell" became "John Bell."
Variations: Bell, Belle, Beale, Beal, Beals, Beales, Bale, Beel, Biehl, Bale, Beall.
More Info: http://heraldry.celticradio.net/search.php?id=234
Discussion of this family is welcomed.
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