The surname WITHELL had a plural evolution but probably derived from a name describing a locality or geographical feature. The earliest occurrences are now regarded as bynames, many of which did not survive and stabilize as hereditary surnames. These bynames have been found in a surprising number of early documents emanating from different parts of Britain- London, Wales, Oxfordshire, Devonshire, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Yorkshire and the Midlands. However by the early 19th century, distribution of the modern surname was mainly confined to Cornwall, Devon and Yorkshire. Research currently undertaken indiccates separate origins for these.
The name evolved from the area centered by the village of Withiel which was part of the manor of Widie as noted in the Domesday Book. One authority suggests a derivation from gwydhel, a 'wooded district or forest' while another proposes a compound of the Old English - gwith trees and ial fertile upland. The second part of the name of the town of 'Lostwithiel' seems to contain the same element, suggesting that Withiel may have originally been the name of a large district, reaching in one direction as far as the Fowey.
It is suggested that the surname Withell in Yorkshire may have evolved from Whit(e)hill or Whit(e)well. Variations such as Whitell and Whithill using the initial 'wh' rather than 'w' were the more common spelling. Medieval documents and the parish records so far searched seem to support this theory
I would like to follow this further by searching early wills and other estate records for the occurrence of variations of Whitell and Whithill in Yorkshire and would be pleased for any offers of information or help.
The common spelling into the 19th century was Withall. However there was also a Withell manor, Withell (Withiall) Florey and Withell Wood in the parish of Cannington in Somerset.
Withell in Durham in the second half of the 19th cenury had originated as Withall in Sussex.