Curles

The surname Curles is believed to have originated in the northern regions of England, specifically in Northumbria and Yorkshire, during the medieval period. It is thought to be a locational surname, derived from the Old English words "cyrr," meaning a bend or curve, and "leas," which refers to a meadow or clearing. Thus, the name likely originated from a place name describing a curved or bent meadow.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the surname Curles can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Yorkshire from the 13th century, where a person named William Curles is listed as a landowner. This suggests that the name had already been established by that time.

In the 14th century, the Curles surname appeared in various historical records, such as the Lay Subsidy Rolls for Yorkshire in 1301, where a Robert Curles is listed. Additionally, the Feet of Fines for Northumberland in 1349 mentions a John Curles.

During the 15th century, the name continued to be documented in various regions of northern England. One notable example is a Thomas Curles, who was a merchant and alderman in the city of York in the late 15th century.

In the 16th century, the Curles surname began to spread beyond northern England. One notable bearer of the name was William Curles, a renowned printer in London during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. He was responsible for publishing several important works, including translations of classical texts.

Another significant figure with the Curles surname was Sir Robert Curles, a wealthy landowner and Member of Parliament for Yorkshire in the early 17th century. He played a role in the English Civil War and was a supporter of the Parliamentarian cause.

During the 18th century, the Curles surname continued to be found throughout various regions of England. One notable bearer was John Curles, a prominent architect who designed several churches and public buildings in London and the surrounding areas.

In the 19th century, the Curles name appeared in various parts of the British Isles. One noteworthy individual was James Curles, a Scottish writer and journalist who published several works on historical and literary topics.

Throughout its history, the Curles surname has also been recorded with variations in spelling, such as Curlis, Curless, and Curlys. These variations likely arose due to regional dialects and the inconsistencies in record-keeping during earlier centuries.