Stumbles (also spelt Stumbels) is a family name probably originating in the United Kingdom but nowadays also found in Australia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Canada, and the United States.
Origin A Dictionary Of British SurnamesP. H. Reaney: A Dictionary Of British Surnames, Routledge and Keegan Paul 1958–1976, . lists a Gervase atte Stumble of 1296 and a Juliana Stumbel of 1311 and suggests a meaning (derived from Old English stumbel) of "Dweller by the tree-stump".
The name was found relatively frequently in the West Country especially the South Hams region of Devon from the early 18th century.Records from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) (1984) It is now rare in the United Kingdom but found more commonly in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, USA, and Zimbabwe.
Stumbles people William Stumbels (–1769), clockmaker
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