Surname Sholl - Meaning and Origin
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Sholl: What does the surname Sholl mean?
The surname Sholl is of German origin. It is believed to be a topographic name, which means it is based on the geographic location where the person originally lived or held land. In this case, Sholl is derived from the Middle High German word "schol," which refers to a "hollow or depression". So, it perhaps referred to someone who lived near a dale, valley or hollow. As with many surnames, variations of spelling can be found over centuries and regions, including Scholl, Schol, Schole, and others. It is worth noting that, like many surnames, the exact interpretation can vary and may be influenced by regional dialects and historical usage. The surname was first found in Hessen, where the name could be considered to have made a significant contribution to the feudal society which shaped the early development of Europe. The name became prominent in local affairs and branched into many houses, playing important roles in the regional conflicts, each group striving for power and status in an ever-changing territorial profile.
Order DNA origin analysisSholl: Where does the name Sholl come from?
The last name Sholl is most commonly seen in the United States, particularly in Pennsylvania and New York. According to the US Census Bureau, there were over 1,800 individuals with the last name Sholl in 2000. The current population is more than likely similar, if not larger.
The Sholl family is believed to have originated in Germany, most likely in the town of Schell near the cities of Mainz and Saarluis. The name was then Anglicized to Sholl or Scholl. These German ancestors likely migrated to the U.S. in the eighteenth century as many other German immigrants did.
Pennsylvania was and still is the most common US state to find individuals with the last name Sholl. Approximately one hundred and fifty individuals with the name were recorded in the 1890 census. In particular, the greater Philadelphia area and the area around Lancaster are heavily populated with people of the surname.
The name Sholl is most notably connected to steel industry. Charles Sholl founded a steel mill and mine in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1833. It's legacy continues to this day, with USS Sholl Steel being a major steel supplier to the military.
In conclusion, the surname Sholl is common mainly in the United States. Although German origins connect the Sholls, the name is most strongly associated with Pennsylvania, particularly in the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia area. The name in the US often comes with a legacy of steel production and supply.
Variations of the surname Sholl
The surname Sholl is derived from a habitational origin, as a topographical name it was likely taken from a place-name of similar spelling. Variations of the surname include Sholle, Shall, Sholles, Scholles, Sholes, Shoales, Shoal, Shoill, Shawl, Shawles, Shal and Shawll. Similarly, anglicisations of the name include Sholes, Shoule, Shouls, Showell and Scholes.
The original spelling derived from locations where the bearers of the name might have lived, worked or held land. It is usually found in instances where the family was of minor nobility, though it could have denoted someone who worked at a mill or even lived near a hill from which the surname got its name.
The spelling variations are due largely to regional accents and familiarity with pronunciation of the original place of origin. In addition, some alternative spellings were adopted in due part to the growing use of standardised spelling in the 17th century. In Scotland, for example, the spelling of Sholle is often used, whereas in Ireland, Shoill is a more common variation.
In terms of surnames of the same origin, there are a few different spellings that can be considered to be of the same origin. For example, Spelles, Schwols, Shel, and Shoel are all variations of the same origin, all derived from the place-names Sholls, Scholls, and Shel.
In both present and past times, the surname Sholl is not widely distributed, with most instances of the name found in regions with a Scandinavian heritage. For this reason, the variations of the name may also be encountered in these countries, as well as in the United States and Canada.
Famous people with the name Sholl
- Katherine Sholl: American Olympic alpine ski racer
- Christa Sholl: American equestrian, show jumping competitor and trainer
- John Sholl: Australian actor and screenwriter
- Bill Sholl: Canadian world champion curler
- George Sholl: American professional football player
- Joanne C. Sholl: American journalist
- Robert Sholl: British television producer
- Nathaniel Sholl: American composer, music theorist, and music educator
- John Sholl: American aerospace engineer
- Leo Sholl: Canadian diplomat