Surname Tole - Meaning and Origin

Tole: What does the surname Tole mean?

The surname 'Tole' is derived from the Old English term 'toll', which indicates a tax or levy. Historically, individuals who worked as tax collectors often adopted surnames like 'Tole', 'Toll', 'Toller', or 'Tully'. This practice signified their occupational role and was a common practice in Europe during the Middle Ages. Therefore, individuals bearing the Tole surname could potentially trace their ancestry back to individuals engaged in tax collection. However, like many surnames, Tole could have multiple origins and meanings depending on the regional and linguistic context. In some cases, it could also be a variant of the personal name 'Tooley' or 'Towle'. It is a fairly uncommon surname found in several countries, including the U.S., Canada, England, and Albania. As it is the case with many surnames, each Tole family's lineage may offer unique insights into the surname's specific origins and shifts in spelling or pronunciation over time.

Tole: Where does the name Tole come from?

Today, the last name Tole is commonly found in the United States, India, and other countries. It is most commonly found in the United States, where it is the 8,074th most common last name, held by over 2,500 people. In India, it is the 15,984th most common last name, with over 100 people carrying it. The last name is also found in countries like Canada, Australia, Austria, Greece, and Germany.

The origin of the Tole name is uncertain but is likely to have come from either France, England, or Scotland. It is likely the name was taken on by several branches of a family as they moved between these countries. This could explain why the surname is found in so many places around the globe.

Within the United States, the last name is most common in California, followed by New Jersey, Florida, and New York. This is likely due to immigration to these states in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Over the last few centuries, the name has steadily increased in popularity, but it has yet to reach the heights of some more common surnames. Despite this, many families with the last name Tole continue to have stories, traditions, and cultures that are linked to their name.

Variations of the surname Tole

The surname Tole is believed to be of Norman origin, and it is found most commonly in France and England. Variants of this surname include: Toul, Tauell, Toal, Tooele, Tolle, Tol, Toli, Tohill, and Tuill. In medieval times, spelling was not closely regulated, so variations in spelling were common.

The surname Tole is found in many different variants in England, France, and other countries. In England, the most common variant is Tole, while in France, the most common variant is Toul. In the United States, many spellings of this surname can be found, including Tole, Tolle, Tauell, and Tohill.

The surname Tole can also be found in other countries, such as Canada, Ireland, and Scotland. In Canada, a common variant is Tooele, while in Ireland and Scotland, a common variant is Tol.

Due to the close proximity of some countries, surnames often shared variations across national boundaries. For example, the surname Tole is seen in both England and France with similar structures. In both countries it can be found as Tole, Toul, or Tolle.

The various spellings and surnames of Tole are likely due to two main factors: speech variation over time and geographical variation. As people moved from place to place, their surnames evolved with their accents and dialects. Over time, surname spellings naturally changed, making some spellings more common in one place than another. Geographical variation may have also played a role in shaping the many surnames and spellings of Tole today. Thus, when researching this surname, it is important to consider all possible spellings and variants.

Famous people with the name Tole

• Rodney Toland: He is an American film director, producer, and cinematographer. He is best known for his documentaries, feature films, and television work.
• Lacey Tole: Actress, known for her work in the film adaptation of Stephen King's It and as Awilda in Radium Girls.
• Bernadette Toland-Reed: English actress who starred in the historical drama series The Tudors and in the Christopher Nolan film Interstellar.
• Bill Toland: Former Pittsburg Post-Gazette reporter.
• Jacqueline Toland: Brazilian actress and Instagram influencer who has appeared in numerous telenovelas on the Brazilian television station, Globo TV.
• Andrew Toland: Photographer and author of Tattooed Britain, a book exploring the art and culture of British tattooing.
• Kimba Tole: An Australian Paralympic swimmer.
• David Toland: Emeritus Professor and Chair of Medicine at the University of Melbourne, and the former President of the Royal Australian College of Physicians.
• Tom Toland: Chief Executive Officer of Precision Seeds.
• Tony Toland: Australian Paralympian athlete.
• Tim Toland: Professional Australian Football League (AFL) player for the West Coast Eagles.
• Brian Toland: Former Northern Irish Professional Association footballer who represented Manchester City and won two Football League trophies.
• Declan Toland: Northern Irish singer-songwriter, guitarist, and multi-instrumentalist.
• Robert Tole: U.S Navy Veteran and Chief Petty Officer from the Vietnam War.
• Alec Tole: British professional motorsports driver from Coventry, best known for racing in the British Touring Car Championship.

Other surnames

TolanTolandTolarTolberTolbertTolckmittToledanoTolemanTolerTolertonTolibowskiToliverToliveraTolkanTolkemitTolkemittTolkendorfTolkengtonTolkentonTolkinTolkingtonTolkintonTolkmidTolkmidtTolkmitTolkmittTolksdorfTolksdorferTolksdörferTolksdorff