Message: "Ercell" - Behind the Name

[Facts] Ercell

by Eva Marie

6/21/2016, 6:11 PM

My grandmother was called Ercell. She was born in 1916 in Virginia, USA. I'm curious if anyone has a guess where the name might have come from. She was apparently called this by the nanny and it stuck as her name. When she was 60 she applied for her passport and found out her legal birth name was actually Nathalie!

A few other girls were officially named Ercel, Ersel and Ercell in 1916.

Is it just a fad name that mimicked the sound of Estelle (very popular where she was born)?

Is it a creative spelling of Ursel? There is a lot of German influence in the area she was born in.

The name seems to have been trouble for the census takers. At three she was recorded as Ursille and at 13 she was written down as Estelle. From 23 on she was Ercell in the census.

#Ercell

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- Joiya (guest) +3

6/27/2016, 11:39 AM

I know an Ercel, but he is a man and the name is a portmanteau of Ernesto and Maricela. So, it is possible that your Grandmother's nickname was an honoring combination of family members.

Otherwise, I would lean towards a variation on Ursula or Ursel, possibly even Ercilia.

- Joiya +2

6/27/2016, 11:56 AM

Adding

I just thought of this...

You said that the NANNY in 1916 Virginia used to call your grandmother "Ersell".

The term "'ersel" was often used by African American maids, slaves and staff to refer to a lady of the house, who was young. Kind of like "ma'am" for girls. It is short for "herself". If the nanny fit into this category, she may have started calling your grandmother this as a sign of both endearment and respect to her charge's position.

Just a thought.

- S B (guest)

8/11/2016, 5:07 PM

My mother's name is Ercell. It was her mother's middle name as well. She was born in 1914 my mom in 1939. They pronounced like Ursula minus the a. No idea where my great grandmother got it from.

- Eva Marie

6/27/2016, 5:26 PM

Goodness! That could be it! She did mention her nanny was African American. I had no idea. I'll have to research it further. Thanks so much!

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