Cattermole

The surname Cattermole is of English origin, tracing its roots back to the medieval period. It is derived from the Old English words "cæter" meaning "cat" and "maol" meaning "bald-headed" or "bare". This combination suggests that the name may have been a descriptive nickname or an occupational name for someone who was a skinner or furrier of cats.

The earliest recorded instance of the name can be found in the Assize Rolls of Staffordshire in 1272, where it appears as "Catermolle". This early spelling variation highlights the evolution of the name over time. In the Hundred Rolls of Buckinghamshire from 1275, the name is documented as "Cattemoll".

During the 14th century, the name Cattermole was prevalent in the counties of Buckinghamshire and Staffordshire, indicating that these regions were likely the original homelands of families bearing this surname. The Subsidy Rolls of Buckinghamshire from 1327 mention a Thomas Cattermole, one of the earliest recorded individuals with this last name.

In the 16th century, the name appears in various historic records and manuscripts. John Cattermole, born in 1540 in Staffordshire, is documented in parish registers. Another notable figure from this era is William Cattermole, born in 1568 in Buckinghamshire, who served as a churchwarden and is mentioned in local church records.

The 17th century saw the name Cattermole spread to other parts of England, with records showing families in counties such as Norfolk and Suffolk. One prominent individual from this period was Robert Cattermole, born in 1612 in Norfolk, who was a successful merchant and landowner.

In the 18th century, the surname Cattermole continued to be well-represented in various historical documents. Notable examples include John Cattermole, born in 1723 in Suffolk, who was a respected farmer and landowner, and William Cattermole, born in 1758 in Buckinghamshire, who served as a local magistrate and justice of the peace.

The 19th century brought forth several notable individuals bearing the Cattermole surname. One such figure was George Cattermole, born in 1800 in Norfolk, who was a renowned artist and illustrator known for his watercolor paintings and illustrations of literary works. Another was Charles Cattermole, born in 1832 in Buckinghamshire, who was a prominent architect and designed several notable buildings in London.

These historical records and examples demonstrate the rich heritage and widespread presence of the Cattermole surname throughout England, with its origins dating back to the medieval period and a potential connection to occupations related to the furrier or skinner trade.