Rockwell
An English surname that likely began as a place-name or topographic name for someone living by a notable spring, stream, or rocky hollow.
The #2,902 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 24,979 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Rockwell is generally understood as an English surname built from the elements "rock" and "well." In surname use, "well" usually meant a spring or stream rather than a modern water well, so the name likely referred to someone who lived near a rocky spring or a place called Rockwell. It may also be locational, from one of the English places with that name.
History
The surname is found in England and later in North America, where it became established as an Anglo-American family name. Like many English surnames based on local landscape features, it could arise independently in more than one place. The name is less common than many basic topographic surnames but has remained in steady use.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
In old place-names, "well" often meant a spring or stream, so Rockwell may originally have described a spot with a rocky water source rather than a modern-style well.
From the historical record
“Rocks, 236. Rockwell, 247. Rockwood, 250. Rodber, 83.”
— Suffolk Surnames (3rd ed.)