Colls

The surname Colls is believed to have originated in England, specifically in the northern counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire. It is thought to have derived from the medieval English word "col," which means "coal" or "charcoal burner."

The earliest known records of the name date back to the late 12th century, with references to individuals bearing the surname in various manuscripts and documents of the time. One notable mention is found in the Pipe Rolls of Yorkshire from 1199, which lists a "William Colle" as a taxpayer.

During the 13th and 14th centuries, the name Colls appeared in several historical records, including the Hundred Rolls of 1273, which documented landowners and their holdings. This suggests that some families bearing the name had established themselves as landowners or individuals of some standing in their communities.

In the 16th century, the name Colls was also found in various parish registers and church records, particularly in the areas around Yorkshire and Lancashire. One notable individual from this time was John Colls, a merchant from York who lived from 1525 to 1592.

As the name spread across England, various spelling variations emerged, such as Coll, Colle, and Colles. These variations were often influenced by regional dialects and the preferences of local record-keepers.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the surname Colls was William Colls, who was born in Yorkshire in the late 15th century and lived until the mid-16th century. He was a landowner and farmer in the village of Kettlewell.

Another notable figure was Thomas Colls, born in Lancashire in 1623, who was a renowned clockmaker and instrument maker. His work was highly regarded, and some of his clocks are still preserved in museums today.

In the 18th century, the name Colls was associated with several prominent figures, including John Colls (1720-1784), a successful merchant and landowner from Yorkshire, and William Colls (1745-1821), a prominent lawyer and judge from Lancashire.

One of the most famous individuals with the surname Colls was Samuel Colls (1786-1862), an English engraver and artist who was renowned for his detailed engravings of architectural subjects and landscapes. His works were highly sought after and can be found in many art collections around the world.

The surname Colls has also been found in various place names throughout England, such as Collshill in Yorkshire and Collsgreen in Lancashire, further reinforcing the name's deep roots in these northern counties.