The hamlet takes its name from the Babell Methodist chapel, built in 1836, but the surrounding area, a township of Ysgeifiog parish, was formerly known as Gelliloveday or Gellilyfdy.

The name was recorded in the Domesday Book in the form "Cheslilaved", and as "Kelliloveday" in 1602.

[1] There is a section of the ancient earthwork Offa's Dyke nearby Llyn-Ddu.

[3] Although rural the area is dotted with old copper workings from the 19th century.

The notable 17th-century antiquary John Jones lived at the hall of Gellilyfdy, to the west of the present-day village.