A name taken from the sign of an inn or shop. The sign of a bell was frequently used. "John at the Bell" became "John Bell." Bel, French, beautiful, handsome, fine.

Arthur, William (1857) An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. New York: Sheldon, Blakeman. Public Domain.

BELL. This common surname is doubtless le Bel, 0. Fr. for fine, handsome ; and in this form it is found in the H.R. The chief habitation of the Bells has long been on the Scottish border. In a MS. of 1590, relating to the defences of that district, we find in Cumberland, under Bridekirk, this entiy : " About them is a great surname of Bells and Cavlisles, who have been long in feud Avith the Irwyns." Again : " In Gilsland is no great surname : the Belles is the most." Archffiolog. XXII. p. 169—70.

Lower, Mark A (1860) Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom. London: J.R. Smith. Public Domain.