CATTERMOLE
Cattermole is an English surname primarily associated with the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk, with documented occurrences also in London. The name has been recorded in parish registers and civil documents dating from the mid-17th century onward.
The earliest documented spelling is that of Anne Catmoll, who married John Dearns in 1641 at Woodbastwick, Norfolk, during the reign of King Charles I. This earliest instance reflects the variations in spelling that have characterised the surname over centuries.
Scholars attribute the origin of Cattermole to one of two possibilities. The first is a localised, East Anglian descriptive term deriving from the word mole, meaning a dyke or bank. In this sense the surname would signify a dweller at a dyke, reflecting a topographical association common in the area. The second hypothesis points to a Low German or Flemish source of unknown etymology, possibly introduced by Huguenot refugees in the late-16th century during the first mass immigration of Protestant exiles. Both theories acknowledge the surname’s prevalence in Norfolk and Suffolk and explain its occasional appearance in the capital.
From a linguistic standpoint, Cattermole can also be linked to a nickname origin. It is derived from the Old English words catte meaning “cat” and mōl meaning “bald.” The nickname was originally applied to an individual who was bald or who possessed a bald spot resembling a cat’s paw. Over time this descriptive label was adopted as a hereditary surname, allowing descendants to trace their lineage back to the original bearer.
Variants of the surname, including Cattermoul, Cattermull, and the earlier spelling Catmoll, illustrate the orthographic fluidity of English surnames before standardisation. These alternatives are frequently encountered in the same geographic region and are generally considered to represent the same family line.
Historical records provide clear documentation of the surname’s usage. A notable example is the marriage record of Mary Cattermole and Thomas Burgis, registered at Alburgh, Norfolk, on 18 November 1672. Such documents confirm the continued presence of the name in parish registers throughout the 17th century and beyond.
In contemporary times, individuals bearing the surname Cattermole and its variants can often trace their ancestry back to the East Anglian area, reflecting the surname’s historical roots and geographical concentration. The name remains a distinct marker of English heritage and provides insight into the linguistic and migratory patterns that shaped surnames in the region.
Typical given names associated with the Cattermole surname
Male
- Alan
- Andrew
- Anthony
- David
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robin
- William
Female
- Christine
- Donna
- Emma
- Helen
- Jane
- Jean
- Joanne
- Julie
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.
How to communicate the surname Cattermole in...
Braille
⠉⠁⠞⠞⠑⠗⠍⠕⠇⠑
Morse
-.-..---..-.-----.-...
Semaphore
There are approximately 1,759 people named Cattermole in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,678th most common surname in Britain. Around 27 in a million people in Britain are named Cattermole.
Famous people named Cattermole
- Paul Cattermole - Singer and actor
- Lee Cattermole - Football player
- George Cattermole - Artist (1800 to 1868)
Names and descriptions courtesy of Wikipedia, and may contain errors. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of every famous person with this name.