indicate the level to which a name has been verified.
Type Surname (from nickname)
Usage English
Other Forms FormsDeeble, De Bell, Debell, Dibble, Dible, Debill, Debold, Daybell, Dyball, Diable
Meaning & History
This surname is of French derivation and was introduced to Britain by the Normans. It has two possible derivations, the first from the Roman (Latin) 'debil-is', which means literally "poorly" or "weak", and may have been a metonymic for a doctor or healer, whilst the second possible origin is a nickname derivation from the old French 'Theodore' to Tibald and Tibble or Dibble, Deble.