The Benfell Family History

What Does the Benfell Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Benfell is of English origin, deriving from the Old English words ‘bere,’ which denotes a bear, and ‘feld,’ meaning an open field or rural area. Variations in spelling for the name Benfell include Benfeld, Benefield, Benfield, Benfiel, and Banfill. In England, the surname Benfell is most commonly found in Yorkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, Buckinghamshire, and within the city of London. Additionally, there are locations named Benifield in Northumberland, England. During the mid-to-late 19th century, numerous Benfell families migrated to New Zealand and Australia. In the United States, the largest concentration of individuals with the Benfell surname resides in Utah, particularly in the communities of Salt Lake City and Provo. There are also smaller populations in California, Arkansas, Virginia, Minnesota, New Mexico, and Washington. Overall, the number of people bearing the Benfell surname is relatively limited. Noteworthy individuals associated with the Benfell name include Roy Benfell, an author from Yorkshire, England; Alan Benfell, known for his work in flight training and as a director of The Soaring Society of America; and Carol Benfell, a journalist.