Meaning of "Colell" or "Collel"

We're trying to find the meaning of the name "Colell" or "Collel". This was the name of my husband's maternal grandfather
(who died long ago, so we can't ask him), and we are considering using it for a little boy.I've searched everywhere I can think of, (including both on the 'net and in books). I do know that there is a relatively famous
mathematician with the surname "Mas Colell", but that's all I've been able to find.Thanks in advance for any clues or answers!
vote up1vote down

Replies

"Collell" (and possibly your Colell or Collel) is a Catalan form of the surname "Coll", meaning "one who lives by a hill or mountain pass." Is it possibly that your husband's maternal grandfather may have come from northeastern Spain? If not, then perhaps his surname is derived from an English diminutive of the name "Nicolas ".-- Nanaea
vote up1vote down