Surname Castles - Meaning and Origin

Castles: What does the surname Castles mean?

The surname Castles is of Anglo-Saxon origin and holds an occupational or locational meaning. In occupational terms, it is associated with an individual serving as a keeper or governor of a castle. On the other hand, if locational, it signifies that an individual or family lived by a castle, deriving their name from their habitation. In both scenarios, it serves to indicate a relationship with a fortress or a castle.

The name first appeared in the British Isles in the medieval period, when castles were a dominant feature of political, social and architectural life, offering protection and control over a region. An early record of this name is found in the county of Somerset, dating back to the year 1315. However, versions of the name may have different roots or meanings in other cultures or languages.

As surnames were often accorded based on a person's occupation, location, or personal characteristics during the medieval era, the surname 'Castles' would have been particularly significant and notable, reflecting either a strategic role within the community, or a primary landmark in the locale. Today, it’s found widely dispersed in English-speaking countries like Britain, the U.S, Canada, and Australia.

Castles: Where does the name Castles come from?

The surname Castles is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old Norman French word 'castel', which means castle. It was typically used as a topographic name for someone who lived near a castle, or as an occupational name for a servant who worked in a castle.

The surname first emerged in the 11th century, around the time of the Norman conquest of England in 1066. During this period, Norman barons introduced many new names into England, one of them being Castles. The first recorded spelling of the family name is in the early 13th Century.

Today, the surname Castles predominates in England and the United States. However, like many surnames, it can be found in various countries as people with this surname have migrated over time. Within the USA, it is more common in states such as Texas, California, and New York. In England, regions with a higher prevalence of the surname include London, Lancashire, and the West Midlands. Despite its dispersion across different areas, the surname Castles remains relatively uncommon.

Variations of the surname Castles

The surname 'Castles' has a British origin and is primarily used in English-speaking countries. It could also be an occupational name for someone who worked in a castle, or a topographic name for someone who lived near a castle. This name could have variants in other languages where the word for 'castle' is different.

Some possible variants and alternate spellings of 'Castles' could include Castle, Castell, Castells, Castel, Castelle, Casteel, Castile and Kastles. In some Spanish-speaking countries, it could be spelled as 'Castillos', and in Italian it could be 'Castelli'.

Different surnames that are of the same origin or have a similar meaning could include Fort, Fortress, Tower, and Stronghold. Note that these surnames might not be directly related to 'Castles', but they convey a similar topographical or occupational meaning.

Surname variations can also occur due to regional dialects, literacy levels, or even immigration. For example, immigrant families sometimes Americanized their names, resulting in the name 'Castles' being spelled differently than its original form.

Famous people with the name Castles

• Alice Glass (real name Margaret Osborn): A Canadian singer and songwriter, part of the electronic music band, Crystal Castles, alongside Ethan Kath.
• Ethan Kath (real name Claudio Palmieri): A Canadian musician and songwriter, known as part of the electronic music band Crystal Castles.
• Irene Castle (real name Irene Foote): An American dancer and fashion icon of the early 20th century, who performed with her husband Vernon Castle.
• Vernon Castle (real name William Vernon Blyth): A British-born ballroom dancer who became famous in NYC with his wife, Irene Castle, in the early 20th century.
• Keisha Castle-Hughes: A New Zealand actress known for her role in "Whale Rider," she also appeared in "Game of Thrones.”
• Molly Castle: An American actress best known for her roles in "Don't Look Under the Bed" and "Profiler.”
• Trudy Castle: A late Canadian ice skater who was inducted into the BC Sports Hall of Fame.
• Nick Castle: An American screenwriter and director known for his work on "The Boy Who Could Fly" and "The Last Starfighter." He also played "Michael Myers" in the original 1978 "Halloween" movie.
• Peggy Castle: An American actress known for her roles in 1950s films and television series.

Other surnames

CastleCastlemanCastler