This is an Anglo-Norman locational name from a place called Flyford Flavell in Worcestershire. Flavell was a Norman addition to Flyford, coming from the Olde English pre 7th century 'ford' meaning a 'ford' or 'river crossing' and an obscure first element. 'Flavell' is taken to mean 'yellow-haired'. The name today is considered Irish being chiefly found in the Province of Ulster (county Armagh and adjacent areas). In Co. Mayo it also occurs as an anglicized form of the Gaelic name 'O Flannghail' meaning 'ruddy' (flann) 'valour' (gal). The name was introduced into Ireland at the Norman Invasion of 1169. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of John Flavel M.A. which was dated (1596-1617) Professor of Grammar Oxford University during the reign of King James 1 of England 1603-1625 Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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