Mothersole

Mothersole is an English surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from the Old English word "Modorsaelu," which translates to "mother's hall." The surname is most commonly found in the counties of Kent and Suffolk in England, with historical records dating back to the medieval times.

Origins

The earliest known recording of the Mothersole surname dates back to the 14th century in Kent, England. The surname likely originated as a descriptive name for someone living or working near a significant building or hall associated with a mother. Over time, the surname became hereditary and passed down through generations.

Distribution

The Mothersole surname is relatively rare, with most bearers residing in the southeastern counties of Kent and Suffolk, where the name has historical significance. However, migration and dispersal have led to some branches of the family being found in other parts of England and the world.

Notable Individuals

  • John Mothersole (b. 1958) - A prominent British civil servant known for his contributions to local government in Sheffield, South Yorkshire.
  • Rachel Mothersole - A fictional character in British literature, often used as a pen name by female authors.

References

  1. P. H. Reaney, A Dictionary of English Surnames, Oxford University Press, 1997.
  2. G. Redmonds, The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland, Oxford University Press, 2017.

There are approximately 330 people named Mothersole in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around five in a million people in Britain are named Mothersole.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Christopher
  • David
  • Gary
  • George
  • Graham
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • William

Female

  • Claire
  • Diane
  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Laura
  • Lisa
  • Mary
  • Rebecca
  • Susan
  • Victoria

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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