Since this question came up last night, I've been trying to see what I could learn. One meaning of "van" apparently comes from a Celtic root meaning a rocky mountain summit and turns up in modern place names in France, Switzerland, and even Germany as Van, Vanil, Vanel, and other variants. A family name "Duvanel" would therefore indicate someone who came from a place on or near a rocky mountain summit. A web search shows that there was a fortified place called Le Vanel in the Pays d'Enhaut region on the borders of Berne and Vaud. This doesn't mean your Duvanels came from that specific place -- it's just an example of a place where such a family name could have originated as a descriptive term. There are possibly multiple unrelated families named Duvanel, all originating in places where there were such geographic features. I know that doesn't help you trace your family (sorry), but maybe somewhere along the line an understanding of what the name means will come in handy. Good luck. Ardis [email protected] >>> Dear Listers I am new to the list and have come up against a brickwall for my g grandfather with the surname DUVANEL. Known information:- Albert Louis Duvanel born @1858 Neufchatel son of John? Louis Duvanel (Hotel Keeper) and Margaret Adolphine nee Renou? This information was obtained from the marriage certificate of Albert in Australia. Information about any Duvanel would be appreciated. Pamela/Melbourne Australia