Toplis

Toplis is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old French personal name "To(u)p(e)lis". The Toplis surname has been recorded in various regions of England, with a notable concentration in the counties of Lincolnshire and Yorkshire.

One of the most infamous bearers of the Toplis surname was Percy Toplis (1896–1920), a figure associated with criminal activities and impersonations, particularly during the First World War. Toplis came to public attention for his involvement in the Etaples Mutiny in 1917 and later gained notoriety for his career as a conman and fugitive. He was killed during a confrontation with police in Cumbria in 1920.

Much of the historical information about the Toplis family remains speculative, as the name is not among the most common in England. Nevertheless, the surname Toplis continues to exist in the modern era, with individuals bearing the name scattered across the United Kingdom and beyond. The legacy of Percy Toplis, and the vibrant history of the surname, ensures that the Toplis name maintains a place in British historical records.

There are approximately 645 people named Toplis in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around ten in a million people in Britain are named Toplis.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • David
  • George
  • Graham
  • Ian
  • John
  • Mark
  • Matthew
  • Michael
  • Neil
  • Paul
  • Robert
  • Sam
  • Simon
  • Stephen

Female

  • Carol
  • Helen
  • Jayne
  • Julie
  • Laura
  • Margaret
  • Marie
  • Rachel
  • 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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