In part from the English word
jewel, a precious stone, derived from Old French
jouel, which was possibly related to
jeu "game". It is also in part from the surname
Jewel or
Jewell (a derivative of the Breton name
JUDICAËL), which was sometimes used in honour of the 16th-century bishop of Salisbury John Jewel. It has been in use as a given name since the 19th century.
| JUDICA?L male French, BretonFrench form of the Old Breton name Iudicael, derived from the elements iud "lord, prince" and cael "generous". This was the name of a 7th-century Breton king, also regarded as a saint. |