CATCHPOLE
Catchpole
Catchpole is a surname of English origin, believed to have originated from the medieval job title of 'catchpole', which referred to a tax collector or a bailiff. The word is derived from the Middle English 'catchepoll', where 'catch' meant 'to seize' and 'poll' referred to 'head', indicating a person who seizes property or assets on behalf of the authorities.
The earliest records of the Catchpole surname date back to the 13th century in England, particularly in the eastern counties of Suffolk and Norfolk. Over time, individuals bearing this surname would have performed the duties associated with their occupational name, playing a crucial role in law enforcement and revenue collection.
Today, the Catchpole surname is relatively uncommon, but can still be found primarily in the United Kingdom and other English-speaking countries. Like many surnames rooted in medieval occupations, Catchpole reflects the historical significance of various roles and responsibilities within English society.
There are approximately 3,572 people named Catchpole in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,575th most common surname in Britain. Around 55 in a million people in Britain are named Catchpole.
Surname type: Occupational name
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
Female
- Emma
- Helen
- Jane
- Jennifer
- Julie
- Linda
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.