Kyle

Origin: The surname Kyle is of Scottish and northern English origin, derived from the Old Norse personal name "Ketil", meaning "kettle" or "cauldron". It is believed to have been introduced to Britain by Viking invaders.

Distribution: The surname Kyle is most commonly found in Scotland, particularly in the regions of Ayrshire and Lanarkshire. It has also spread to England, especially in the northern counties such as Yorkshire and Northumberland.

Famous Bearers:

  • Sir James Kyle (1768–1833): Scottish physician and professor of medicine.
  • Duncan Kyle (1938–2001): British novelist known for his espionage thrillers.
  • Laura Kyle: A fictional character in the popular British TV series "Doctor Who".

Coat of Arms: The Kyle family coat of arms features a shield with traditional symbols such as a lion rampant and a chevron, representing strength and protection.

Variants: Variants of the surname Kyle include Kyles, Kyll and Kiel.

Modern Significance: The surname Kyle continues to be a prominent family name in Scotland and parts of northern England, with many individuals proud of their Viking heritage associated with the name.

References:

  • Reaney, P.H., Wilson, R.M. (1995). A Dictionary of British Surnames. Routledge.
  • Barrow, G.W.S. (1998). The Kingdom of the Scots: Government, Church and Society from the Eleventh to the Fourteenth Century. Edinburgh University Press.

There are approximately 4,521 people named Kyle in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,073rd most common surname in Britain. Around 69 in a million people in Britain are named Kyle.

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Scotland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Thomas
  • William

Female

  • Alison
  • Anne
  • Elizabeth
  • Fiona
  • Helen
  • Jean
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • 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.

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