Surname Curl - Meaning and Origin
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Curl: What does the surname Curl mean?
The surname Curl is of English origin and is believed to be a nickname or occupational name. It could refer to a person with curly hair or someone who was a curler, i.e., a maker of leather armor. It may also be a variation of the surname Curls, which is locational and derives from ancient villages named Curland in Somerset or Clarendon in Wiltshire. These places were known for their production of high-quality leather which was then ‘curled’ to produce certain types of armor. Another possibility is that it's derived from the Old English term "crull" or "cyril," meaning "curly-haired."
The name dates back to the late 12th and early 13th centuries, with records of individuals with this surname appearing in different regions of England. Like many early surnames, spellings over the centuries have shown considerable variation, including Curle, Curls, Curll, and Curles, among others.
Today, the surname Curl is found primarily in the United States and the United Kingdom. It's noteworthy that Nobel laureate Robert Curl who worked on the discovery of fullerene, bears this surname.
Order DNA origin analysisCurl: Where does the name Curl come from?
The surname Curl is primarily of Anglo-Saxon origin, originating from the Old English pre 7th Century era. It was a nickname for a man with curly hair, derived from the Middle English word "curl," or "crole," meaning curl, fragment, or particle. Apart from England, the name was also common among residents of Scotland and Ireland. It may also have been used as a topographic name for someone who lived near a curling stream or a hill.
In terms of geographical distribution, the last name Curl is most prevalent in the United States, followed by England and Australia according to Forebears surname directory. In the United States, the highest density of the surname Curl is found in Wyoming, followed by Oklahoma and Indiana. Despite the name's Anglo-Saxon origins, it is not amongst the most common surnames in England, illustrating the pattern of British migration to places like North America and Australia.
Variations of the surname Curl
The surname Curl originates from several possible sources. It could have originated from a nickname for a person with curly hair, from the Middle High German word "krol" meaning "curl". Other researchers suggest that it might have been a habitational name from various places named with this word, including Curland in Somerset and Norfolk, England.
Different variants and spellings for this surname include: Curle, Curls, Curll, Currel, Corl, Korl, Kurl, Curlis, Curleis, and Curling. Some of these are due to variations in phonetic spelling over time and place.
Other potential variants could include compound names, such as Curly, Curlis, Curlson, Curld, etc. However, it's tricky to accurately estimate such variations without detailed genealogical investigation, as surnames can undergo significant changes and adaptations across time and cultures.
Further changes can result from Anglicization or other localization efforts. For example, foreign equivalents of "Curl" might be adapted to more phonetically appropriate forms in other languages.
Finally, there's the possibility of surname fusion – where two separate surnames become mixed together due to marriage, adoption, or other family changes. This could create a wide range of further variants.
Famous people with the name Curl
- Robert Curl: He is an American chemist known for his discovery of the fullerene, a special type of molecular carbon structure. He shared the 1996 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for this accomplishment.
- Adam Curl: He is a former professional Australian rules footballer who played in the Australian Football League (AFL).
- Fred Curl: Also known as Frederick Curl, he was an English footballer who played as a wing half.
- Leslie Curl: She was an English cricketer who played for the women's cricket team of England.
- Jim Curl: He is an American entrepreneur and one of the co-founders of the Ironman Triathlon.
- Emogene B. Curl: She was an American politician and a Republican member of the New Mexico House of Representatives.
- Annie Curl: She is a British theater actress known for her performances in various productions.
- Tim Curl: He is a prominent American poker player. This list includes both living and deceased individuals and spans a range of professions, from sports and science to politics and acting.