This is an Olde French Huguenot name, formerly "de Verneuilh" from the Department of Limousin in Central France. In the "Protestant Region". The name is topographcial in origin and derives from "Ver" meaning "Alder Tree", presumably the original nameholders being resident by an Alder Grove. The name is first recorded in England in the 17th Century and in the following Century several variant spellings evolved. There name recordings include Elizabeth Varneale, christened at St. Dunstans, Stepney on April 17th 1642, William Vernouille was recorded at St. Leonards, Shoreditch in 1769, whilst Mary Vernall married Thomas Buttler at St. Georges, Mayfair on June 6th 1750. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Jean Verneuil, which was dated 1638, Witness at Threadneedle Street, Huguenot Church on January 30th, during the reign of King Charles I, "The Martyr", 1625 - 1649. 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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