Show ContentsCatchlove History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Catchlove finds its origins with the ancient Anglo-Saxons of England. It was given to one who worked as a medieval policeman, called a cacherel. The name comes from the weapon carried by the cacherel, called a catchpole, used to hold people around the head so as to subdue them. The cacherel was often colloquially referred to the weapon he carried. 1

Early Origins of the Catchlove family

The surname Catchlove was first found in Dorset or Caterpole, Suffolk. 2

Proving the longstanding occupation, the first record of the family was found in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Aluricus Chacepol. 3 Later, Hugo le Cachepol was registered in the Assize Rolls for Somerset in 1221. Robert Chacecapel was found in the Pipe Rolls for Devon in 1201. 4

Another source explains in more detail; in that the name was derived from "a village as well as a town officer; an undersergeant who obtained his name from catching his victim by the head by means of a long wooden forceps that nipped by the throat the delinquent who was wanted. The name was borne by Margaret Catchpole, the horse-thief who was sentenced to be hanged at Ipswich, but was transported, in 1841 [to Australia]. We have the name also as Catchpool. In 'Piers Plowman's Vision' we are told, of the two thieves crucified on Calvary, 'A Catchpole came forth And cracked both their legges.' " 5 The weapon the catchpoll carried may still be seen in the Tower of London.

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 included: Geoffrey le Cachepol, Oxfordshire; and Ralph le Cachepol, Oxfordshire. 6

Early History of the Catchlove family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Catchlove research. Another 163 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1561, 1587, 1627, 1647 and 1695 are included under the topic Early Catchlove History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Catchlove Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries; therefore, spelling variations are common among early Anglo-Saxon names. As the form of the English language changed, even the spelling of literate people's names evolved. Catchlove has been recorded under many different variations, including Catchpole, Catchpolle, Cageypole, Cachpole, Cachpool and many more.

Early Notables of the Catchlove family

More information is included under the topic Early Catchlove Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Australia Catchlove migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Catchlove Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Edmund Catchlove, English convict from Southampton, who was transported aboard the "Ann" on August 1809, settling in New South Wales, Australia 7
  • Edward William Catchlove, who arrived in Kangaroo Bay aboard the ship "Tam O'Shanter" in 1836 8
  • Charles Catchlove, who arrived in Kangaroo Bay aboard the ship "Tam O'Shanter" in 1836 8
  • Harriet Catchlove, who arrived in Kangaroo Bay aboard the ship "Tam O'Shanter" in 1836 8
  • Jane Catchlove, who arrived in Kangaroo Bay aboard the ship "Tam O'Shanter" in 1836 8
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)


  1. Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
  2. Barber, Henry, British Family Names London: Elliot Stock, 62 Paternoster Row, 1894. Print.
  3. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  4. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  5. Baring-Gould S., Family Names and their Story. London: Seeley, Service & Co. Limited, 1913. Print
  6. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  7. State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) Ann voyage to New South Wales, Australia in 1809 with 200 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/ann/1809
  8. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) TAM O'SHANTER - 1836. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1836TamOShanter.htm


Houseofnames.com on Facebook