This surname is derived from a geographical locality. 'of Aspinwall,' a property in the parish of Aughton, Lancashire; literally 'the aspen-well,', i.e. the poplar-well, the well by the poplar-trees; compare Popplewell. We still speak of 'trembling like an aspen-leaf.'

'Richard le Walais, lord of Litherland, granted by deed (temp. Henry III) to William Pike of Aspenwelle,' &c.: Baines' Lancashire.

'Aspinwall, or, as it is here called, Aspall Lane, was the paternal inheritance of Edward Aspinwall, &c.: ibid.

Gilbert de Aspenwall, Lancashire, 1332: Lay Subsidy).

James Aspinall, of Aspinall, 1591: Wills at Chester.

Katharine Aspinwall, of Aspinwall, 1506: ibid.

Were there the slightest doubt that Aspinall is a variant of Aspinwall, the above quotations would set the question at rest for ever. The place is styled Aspinall in documents, 15 Charles I; v. Exchequer Depositions by Commission, Lancashire (Lancashire, and Ches. Record Soc. V. xi. 26).

1761. Married — Solomon Franklin and Mary Aspenwall: St. George, Hanover Square.

1782. — Humphrey Aspinall and Elizabeth Leach: ibid.

Aspinall or Aspinwall occurs in various forms as an old Clitheroe and Standen name of the 16th and 17th centuries. Aspenhalgh, Aspinhaugh, Aspinall, Aspinwall, such are the principal forms and gradations of a name originally signifying "an aspen mead." Standen Hall has been in the possession of a family of the name since last century (W. W.) There were Aspinalls of Royshaw, Blackburn, in the 17th century. (A.). A gentle family of Aspinwall that once resided at Aspinwall, a house in Aughton parish, lived at Hale during last century (B.). The name is still in Aughton and Blackburn.