Gatheral History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Gatheral

What does the name Gatheral mean?

The ancestors of the name Gatheral date back to the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The name is derived from when the Gatheral family lived in or near the settlement of Catteral, which is located between Preston and Garstang in the county of Lancashire. The Domesday Book of 1086 lists this place as Catrehala. 1

Some experts also suggest that the surname Gatheral may be derived from a pet form of the name Caterin; this is a form of the personal name Catharine which became popular following its importation in the 12th century.

Early Origins of the Gatheral family

The surname Gatheral was first found in Lancashire at Catteral, a township, in the parish and union of Garstang, hundred of Amounderness. "The family of Catteral were in possession of this place for a considerable period; from them it passed by marriage to the Sherburnes, and subsequently came to the Banisters, Winckleys, and others." 2

Early rolls for the family include: Robert de Caterell in the Curia Regis Rolls for Hampshire in 1222; John de Caterhale in the Subsidy Rolls for Lancashire in 1332; Lawrence Cattrall in Yorkshire in 1462; Richard Caterall, a Freeman of York in 1500 and William Katerel in the Assize Rolls for Staffordshire in 1203. 3

The Lay Subsidy Rolls include an entry for Lorade Caterhale, Lancashire, 1332. 4

"The Catteralls, who are now represented in Preston, derive their name from a Lancashire township. Henry Catterall was guild - mayor of Preston in 1602. In the list of Lancashire Roman Catholics registered after the rebellion of 1715 occurs the name of Catterall, a small estate - holder." 5

Early History of the Gatheral family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gatheral research. Another 96 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1562 and 1593 are included under the topic Early Gatheral History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gatheral Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Gatheral are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Gatheral include: Catterall, Caterell, Catterale, Catterell, Caterale, Cathrell, Catheral, Catherey, Kitrell and many more.

Early Notables of the Gatheral family

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

Migration of the Gatheral family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Gatheral or a variant listed above: John Catheral who settled in Virginia in 1774; Chris Catherey settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1878. Edward Cathrell who settled in Virginia in 1656 with his wife Mary. Alice Catterall settled in Virginia in 1698.

Sources +

Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.