Recorded in several spellings as shown below, this is an English surname but of pre 9th century Old French origin. Introduced into England after the Norman Conquest of 1066, it derives from the word "avril", or the month of April, and ultimately from the Latin "aprilis", a derivative of "aperire", to open, with reference to the opening of buds and flowers in the spring. The term was used as a given name for someone born, baptised or officially registered in April, or having some other connection with the month, such as owing feudal dues. It may also have been used as a nickname, perhaps with reference to the changeable weather of the month, or with reference to spring or youth. The surname from this source can be found as April,Averall, Averill, Averell, Avril, and possibly others. Early examples of recordings include those of Robert Aprill of Yorkshire in 1301; Richard Averil of Staffordshire in 1322; and John Aueril of Sussex in 1327. The forms of Averill, Averall, and Averell are also recorded in Ireland, where since the 17th century they have been associated with Counties Limerick and Tipperary, as well as the province of Ulster. Examples of recordings include John Averall who was bishop of Limerick in 1771, but was born in County Antrim, whilst in London, Henrye Averill married Cycelye Meryfeelde on April 25th 1585, at St. Michael's Cornhill. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Thomas Averel. This was dated 1275, in the Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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