Save Type Surname (from location & from occupation) Usage English Pronounced Pron. BEHL [key·IPA] Meaning & History From Middle English belle meaning "bell". It originated as a nickname for a person who lived near the town bell, or who had a job as a bell-ringer. Related Names Same SpellingBell 2 Categories ballerinos, blues musicians, child actors, English nouns, fast food chains, Madonna songs, music, musical instruments, Oasis songs, Sufjan Stevens songs, tools, word names