What is the origin of my last name?

Question:

What is the origin of my last name?

My father's ancestors are from Italy and Ireland but my last name is Mitchell. Is that an American last name or is it Irish?? It's clearly not Italian. I've always wondered about this. Any knowledge? Also, does anyone know of a reliable place to do a search for my genealogy?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Mitchell is a surname found in all countries where folk from Scotland (among the top 20 Scottish surnames), Ireland and England have settled. Strongly represented in Scotlands NE regions it is also well represented in New Zealand and Australia. There are places named after prominent Scots settlers and explorers named Mitchell, moreso in Australia than New Zealand. A person named Mitchell was a prominent explorer in Australia and consequently there are many places where the name recalls recognition of achievements. Mitchell Highway, Mitchell Library , Mitcheltown, etc.... On New Zealand's West Coast (South Island), a place called Mitchell's Gulley can still produce gold in small quantities.

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