CAUL

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Encyclopedia Entry: Caul

Surname: Caul

Origin: The surname Caul is of Old Norse origin, deriving from the Scandinavian word "kaul", meaning cool or cold. It is believed to have been introduced to England during the Viking invasions of the 8th and 9th centuries.

Distribution: The Caul surname is relatively rare in the United Kingdom, with most occurrences concentrated in the northern regions, particularly in Scotland and parts of northern England.

Notable Individuals:

  • John Caul (1752–1822) – A prominent botanist known for his extensive work on plant taxonomy and classification.
  • Margaret Caul (1901–1978) – An acclaimed poet and writer, known for her distinct style and exploration of modern themes.
  • David Caul (b. 1965) – A respected television producer and director, with notable contributions to documentary filmmaking.

Significance: The Caul surname carries with it a sense of lineage tied to the ancient Norse heritage of the British Isles. Individuals bearing this name often exhibit qualities of resilience, creativity, and a strong connection to nature, reflective of the cultural influences of their ancestors.

Variants: Variants of the Caul surname include Cawll, Cawl, and Caull, each reflecting the phonetic evolution of the name over centuries. Different regions in the UK may exhibit variations in spelling based on local dialects and influences.

Overall, the Caul surname represents a link to the Viking past of Britain and the enduring legacy of these early settlers on the modern population of the British Isles.

There are approximately 239 people named Caul in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around four in a million people in Britain are named Caul.

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
  • Dean
  • Frank
  • Graeme
  • James
  • Neil
  • Peter
  • Philip
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • Stewart

Female

  • Alison
  • Anita
  • Ann
  • Elizabeth
  • Judith
  • Laura
  • Lisa
  • Louise
  • Marie
  • Mary
  • Michelle
  • Nicola
  • Sandra
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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