This is a locational name which derives from a Cambridge hamlet called 'Yenhall' near West Rainham, or from residence at a place where lambs were kept. The derivation is from the Old English 'ean - halh' of the pre 7th Century, the name in the modern surname spellings of Yandell, Yandall, Yendle, Yeandel and Yendell being well recorded particularly in London, from the early 17th Century. Here lies the 'rub', it is probable that the name holders were dispossessed in the 17th Century to allow for the greater development of sheep farming! 'Ean - heale' (the village) first appears in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicles of 974 A.D.. The surname development includes Agnes Yendall, who married Walter Kele at St. Dunstans, Stepney on April 7th 1618, and the christening of Sarah Yeandel, daughter of John and Elizabeth, on February 11th 1864 at Pillgwenlly, Newport, Monmouthshire. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Francis Yandall, (christening), which was dated March 4th 1573, Brighton, Sussex, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth 1, '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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