Castle History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  Netherlands 
  England 
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  Scotland 


The saga of the name Castle follows a line reaching back through history to the days of the Anglo-Saxon tribes in Britain. It was a name for someone who worked as a person who worked in a castle. The original bearer of the surname Castle may have held the post of governor or constable of the castle. However, the surname might also be derived from residence near a castle, or from services or rent owed to a castle. The surname Castle is derived from the Old Norman French word castel, which means castle. 1

Early Origins of the Castle family

The surname Castle was first found in Sussex where Richard and Robert Castel were first recorded 1148-54. They were descended from the Lords of Iystynton, and a few years later in 1201 John Castle held estates in Leicestershire. 2

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 listed Alan de Castell, London; and Andrew de Castello, Norfolk. Later the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls included Thomas de Castell; and Magota del Castell as holding lands there at that time. 3 The Household Book of Queen Isabelle listed Roger atte Castell in 1358 and Kirby's Quest included William atte Castle, Somerset, 1 Edward III (during the first year's reign of King Edward III. 4

In Scotland, "Ricardus de Castello is mentioned in a charter by David I, c. 1142. Magister Peter de Castro witnessed a confirmation by Galfridus. bishop of Dunkeld, of the church of Madirnyn (Madderty) and lands of the Abthan of Maddirnyn in 1238. Normannus de Castello, burgess of Dundee, witnessed Ysabell de Brus's gift of her messuage of Cragyn near Dundee to the monks of Lundors, c. 1240. " 5

Early History of the Castle family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Castle research. Another 158 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1240, 1273, 1281, 1380, 1408, 1420, 1421, 1426, 1606, 1612, 1621, 1624, 1625, 1628, 1635, 1641, 1644, 1645, 1661, 1673, 1685, 1698 and 1750 are included under the topic Early Castle History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Castle Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Castle were recorded, including Castle, Castell, Castles, Castel, Castello and others.

Early Notables of the Castle family

Notables of the family at this time include

Castle World Ranking

In the United States, the name Castle is the 1,430th most popular surname with an estimated 22,383 people with that name. 7 However, in Australia, the name Castle is ranked the 754th most popular surname with an estimated 5,185 people with that name. 8 And in New Zealand, the name Castle is the 996th popular surname with an estimated 758 people with that name. 9 The United Kingdom ranks Castle as 956th with 7,304 people. 10


Castle migration to the United States +

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Castle family emigrate to North America:

Castle Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Castle Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Castle Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Castle migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Castle Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
Castle Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Castle migration to Australia +

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

Castle Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Castle migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Castle Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Castle (post 1700) +
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