Thistle

The surname Thistle is of Scottish origin, deriving from the Middle English word "thistel," which refers to the prickly purple wildflower commonly found in Scotland. The name likely originated as a nickname for someone who lived near areas with abundant thistle plants or perhaps had a prickly or resilient personality.

The first recorded instance of the surname Thistle dates back to the 16th century in Scotland. Over time, the name spread to other parts of the United Kingdom as people migrated for various reasons such as work, education, or military service.

Members of the Thistle family have contributed to various fields, including academia, the arts, business, and politics. The Coat of Arms associated with the surname typically features elements symbolising strength, resilience, and Scottish heritage.

Today, individuals bearing the surname Thistle can be found not only in the United Kingdom but also in countries around the world where Scottish migration has taken place. The name continues to be a reminder of Scotland's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

There are approximately 106 people named Thistle in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Thistle.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

Female

Similar and related surnames

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

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.