This intriguing name is of Anglo-Saxon or Anglo-Scandinavian origin, and derives from the Olde English pre 7th Century given name "Toll", or the Old Norse "Toli", which in Middle English became combined to give "Toll(e)", as in the recording of one Tolle le grangier, in the Assize Court Rolls of Lincolnshire of 1218. The Olde English personal name has a now obscure etymology, but is thought to be cognate with the Old Norse "Toli", itself derived from a short form of a compound given name such as "Thorleifr" or "Thorleikr", composed of the divine name "Thor" (the name of the god of thunder in Scandinavian mythology), and "leifr", relic, or "leikr", sport, play, respectively.
These given names are also to be found as the first element of various English placenames, such as Thurleston (Leicestershire and Warwickshire) and Tollerton (Nottinghamshire), which have "Thorleifr", and Thurloxton (Somerset), which has "Thorleikr". The modern surname derived from "Toll(e)" has a number of variant forms, ranging from Towle, Towell and Towll, to Toole, Tole and Toll. The marriage of Richard Towell and Joane Franck was recorded at St. Giles' Cripplegate, London, on April 30th 1564, while in North America, Ebenezer Towell was a witness at the christening of his son, also Ebenezer, at the New York First Presbyterian Church, on May 21st 1775. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Nicholas Tolle, which was dated 1275, in the "Hundred Rolls of Wiltshire", during the reign of King Edward 1, known as "The Hammer of the Scots", 1272 - 1307. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.
We can try to trace the genealogy of the surname tole, and in addition to the original locations of tole, we can find out where people with the surname tole can currently be found. Adhering to what we know about the way surnames originated, it is possible to offer a realistic explanation of the origins of tole.
The mobility of people carrying the surname tole has led to its presence in different countries, as you can verify.
The history, heraldry, coats of arms, and possible nobility of the surname tole are scattered in documents across various regions and historical periods, so it is necessary to reconstruct a complex puzzle to approach the facts from a realistic perspective. In the following lines, you will find everything we have been able to gather about the surname tole.
Please note that if you are in a position to provide more data about the surname tole or any other surname and its origin, we would appreciate your collaboration with us by sending us information about the origin of tole.
A surname like tole can connect a person to an illustrious lineage and a distinguished coat of arms. However, it must be kept in mind that it is individual people who, through their lives and actions, bring fame and recognition to their surnames. If you or someone you know bears the surname tole, you could potentially build illustrious lineages through your efforts and virtues.
We consider it highly advisable to refer to the following sources if you wish to conduct research on the surname tole, as well as many other surnames. Accessing the archives of the town or towns where your ancestors were born and lived is, of course, a good way to trace the origins of tole.
These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of tole, and at the same time, of surnames in general.