The Yell family is from Yell, Shetland Islands. There is some argument over question if name was originally "de Yell", but I don't believe there is much to believe or disbelieve on that matter.

If you haven't read the book by Hughs about Archibald Yell you may find interesting.

Gen James Yell is a several greats grand Uncle of mine.

There is a French Canadian family of Diels who apparently appropriated the name, but to my knowledge are not in anyway connected.

One interesting question is why are all the Yells descended from Moses Yell (Sr.) and none seem to have descended from the rest of the family? I would once have said the Mass. Yells were all from this family, but recently found a census entry for Mass. which showed a Canadian Yell.

If anyone interested I have a substantial amount on the Yells and in particular the descendants of my 3rd Great grandfather Peirce Yell.