This unusual surname has ancient Olde English origins. It derives almost certainly from the village of Fundenhall in Norfolk, the original spelling in the pre 10th Century being "Fyndel", pronounced "Fundel(l)". This word means "a device", which could refer to a man-made object such as a crane, derrick, or even a gallows! However, it is also possible that Fundenhall is tribal, referring to the place of Funda, a variant form of the personal name "Funta". The Norman Domesday Book of 1086 refers to "Fundahala", which is probably a Latinized form. This type of locational name was usually given to former inhabitants who moved (voluntarily or otherwise) to new locations. The name spelling in Norfolk is Funel, Funell or Funnell, Fundell being rare, however, it is well recorded in London. These recordings include: John Fundall, a christening witness at St. Dunstan's, Stepney, on August 6th 1631, and Charles Fundell, who married Elizabeth May at St. Katherine by the Tower, on June 29th 1675, in the reign of Charles 11 (1660 - 1685). The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Coom Fundell, which was dated August 5th 1592, marriage to Jone Phenix, at St. Clement's, Eastcheap, London, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth 1, known as "Good Queen Bess", 1558 - 1603. 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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