NETTLE
Nettle
The surname Nettle derives from the Old English word "netel," which means the stinging plant from the Urticaceae family. The name likely originated as a nickname for someone who worked with or lived near nettles, or perhaps even described a person with a prickly nature.
Historical records show that the Nettle surname is primarily found in the northern regions of England, particularly in Yorkshire and Lancashire. The name may have spread to other parts of the country over time as individuals migrated for work or marriage.
Throughout history, individuals bearing the surname Nettle have been found engaged in various occupations, including gardeners, herbalists, and even armourers tasked with creating protective gear made from nettles. The association with this plant may have also led to the development of various folk tales or superstitions surrounding the surname.
Today, the Nettle surname remains relatively uncommon but can still be found in different parts of the United Kingdom and across the world, carried by individuals whose ancestors were linked to the plant or who adopted the name for various reasons.
There are approximately 258 people named Nettle in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around four in a million people in Britain are named Nettle.
Origin: Anglo-Saxon
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
- Alex
- Dale
- Daniel
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Mike
- Paul
- Peter
- Stephen
- Thomas
Female
- Ann
- Beryl
- Eileen
- Elizabeth
- Jacqueline
- Joan
- Jodie
- Josephine
- Julie
- Karen
- Kyra
- Margaret
- Rachel
- Susan
- Valerie