Argall is a surname of Cornish origin, derived from a place name meaning "shelter, quiet place" in the Cornish language. The name belongs to the category of habitational surnames, referring to someone who lived near or hailed from such a location. The most notable bearer of the name is Samuel Argall (c. 1572–1626), an English adventurer and naval officer who served as the Deputy Governor of the Virginia Colony. He is known for his role in the early English colonization of North America, including the navigation of the Potomac River and the rescue of John Smith at Jamestown. Argall also captured Pocahontas in 1613, a key event that led to a temporary peace between the settlers and the Powhatan Confederacy, and later sailed against the French and Spanish in North America. His story has been romanticized in works such as the fictional account Argall: The True Story of Pocahontas and Captain John Smith. Other notable individuals with this surname include Audrey Argall (1898–1981), a New Zealand freelance writer and magazine editor; Dave Argall (born 1958), an American politician serving in the Pennsylvania Senate; Dennis Argall (1943–2023), an Australian diplomat; and Rickey ‘Rick’ Argaol, although with a slight orthographic difference. In the realm of sports, Philip Argall (1855–1912) was an Australian cricket Test match umpire. Historical figures also include John Argall (fl. 1604), an English cleric and logician, and Richard Argall (fl. 1621), a little-known poet whose very existence has been questioned. Etymology and History The name Argall is rooted in the Cornish language, a Brythonic Celtic language once spoken in Cornwall, England. The place name element refers to a shelter or quiet place, suggesting a settlement or geographical feature that provided refuge. As a surname, Argall first appears in historical records in the 16th and 17th centuries, particularly among families in Cornwall and surrounding regions. Variants and Related Names The surname may also appear as Argal, mentioned as a variant. No other common Cornish variants are recorded, but the name remains predominantly English in usage today. Distribution Historical census records and genealogical data suggest that the Argall surname has maintained a concentrated presence in Cornwall and adjacent counties of South West England. Emigration to the Americas, Australia, and New Zealand occurred, likely influenced by Samuel Argall's maritime exploits, leading to sporadic clusters in the United States and elsewhere. Meaning: "shelter, quiet place" (from Cornish) Origin: Cornish habitational Type: Surname Usage Regions: Cornwall, England; also found in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand