Surname Eccles - Meaning and Origin

Eccles: What does the surname Eccles mean?

The surname Eccles originally comes from the Old English term "ecles," meaning "church," and was likely used to identify someone who lived near a church. Its origin can be traced back to various towns in England and Scotland named Eccles. It is believed that these places were named in honor of Christian ecclesiastical sites established by early missionaries. Over time, the residents of these areas started to adopt the place name as their surname. Variants of the name include Ecles and Eckles. The surname Eccles is particularly associated with the region of Lancashire in England. Notable people with the surname Eccles include physicist David Eccles and former U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Marriner Eccles. Like many surnames, Eccles can also be used as a first name, although this is less common. So, the surname Eccles carries religious and locational significance, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle and profession of the original bearers.

Eccles: Where does the name Eccles come from?

The surname Eccles is of English, Scottish, and Irish descent. It is a habitational name from any of several places named Eccles, primarily in northwestern England. The word Eccles, derived from the Celtic term "eglẏs" or the Old English term "ecclesia," both meaning "church," suggests that families with this surname might have lived near a notable church. The initial use of such a surname signified a geographical location or landmarks that helped in identifying the family's dwelling place.

Historically, the Eccles surname was first recorded in Lancashire in Northwestern England, where the Eccles family held a family seat from ancient times. Numerous individuals bearing the Eccles surname migrated to Ireland during the 17th century. Consequently, while most common in England, the Eccles surname is also found in Ireland, particularly in the Northern region.

Apart from the United Kingdom and Ireland, you can also find people named Eccles in other English-speaking nations such as the United States, Canada, and Australia due to migration patterns. Their population in these countries remains relatively notable to this day.

Variations of the surname Eccles

The Eccles surname is of Anglo-Saxon origin deriving from the Old English pre 7th Century "ecles," or Middle English "eccles," meaning "church." It is first used as a place name and later as a surname for those who came from such places. Variations and spelling of the surname Eccles include Eckles, Eckels, Eccel, Eakle, Eckle, and Eacle.

The surname could also refer to one from seven parishes and places called Eccles in Killingholme, Norfolk, Berwick-Upon-Tweed, Lancashire, and Cumberland. It reflects standard adjustments in Middle English pronunciation and spelling and typical regional differences in the dialect. Also, early record systems often recorded names phonetically, leading to a variety of spellings.

Furthermore, Eccles could be of Irish origin, derived from medieval Gaelic scholars' Latinised forms, 'Ecclesia.' In this case, possible spelling variations could include McCleesh, McClish, McCleish, McLeish, MacLeish, McCloyes, McLoyes, McCleece, and many more. Each of these variations indicates a name that has been modified over time either due to phonetic simplification, region-specific dialects, or spelling influence from other languages.

Famous people with the name Eccles

• Sir John Eccles: A renowned neurophysiologist and philosopher who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology for his work on the synapse.
• David Eccles, Baron Eccles: A British Conservative politician and peer, serving in various ministerial roles throughout the 1950s and 60s.
• William Henry Eccles: A British physicist known for his work in radiotelegraphy and the ionosphere.
• Marriner Stoddard Eccles: An American banker, economist, and member of the Federal Reserve Board during the Great Depression.
• Berenice Abbott (born Bernice Abbott): An American photographer who changed her name to Berenice in 1921. Her paternal grandmother's surname was Eccles.
• James Eccles: A British mountaineer who achieved several first ascents in the Alps during the late 19th century.
• Walter M. Eccles: A historian of the Western United States who held distinguished professorships and published significant works on the Mormons.
• Nathan Eccles: A professional rugby league footballer in the UK, currently playing for Leigh Centurions.
• Solomon Eccles: An English composer and music theorist during the Baroque period.
• Colleen Eccles Penor: Known for her work as an author and freelance editor.
• Tony Eccles: A retired English professional darts player.

Other surnames

Eccleston