Scules History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

Etymology of Scules

What does the name Scules mean?

The surname Scules has three possible origins, none of which are related to a skeletal "skull."

Firstly, the name could have been derived "from the Old Norse skule, signifying a protector." 1 Secondly, the name could have been from "Skull (Schull), in the Barony of Carbery, co. Cork" 2 and finally, the name could have been "derived from the name of an ancestor as in 'the son of Scowle'". 3

Early Origins of the Scules family

The surname Scules was first found in Suffolk where Robert Scule was recorded in the Abbey of Bury St. Edmonds, Suffolk, c. 1165. Later Robert filius Scule was listed in the Feet of Fines of Norfolk, in 1196. 4

In Lincolnshire, the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 record William Scowle as holding lands there at that time. 3

Early History of the Scules family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Scules research. Another 95 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1438, 1448, 1579 and 1808 are included under the topic Early Scules History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Scules Spelling Variations

Before the advent of the printing press and the first dictionaries, the English language was not standardized. Sound was what guided spelling in the Middle Ages, so one person's name was often recorded under several variations during a single lifetime. Spelling variations were common, even among the names of the most literate people. Known variations of the Scules family name include Skull, Scull and others.

Early Notables of the Scules family

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

Migration of the Scules family to Ireland

Some of the Scules family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 60 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Scules family

To escape the political and religious chaos of this era, thousands of English families began to migrate to the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. The passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe; however, those who made the voyage safely were encountered opportunities that were not available to them in their homeland. Many of the families that reached the New World at this time went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations of the United States and Canada. Research into various historical records has revealed some of first members of the Scules family to immigrate North America: A.S. and A.B. Skull arrived in San Francisco in 1850.

Sources +

Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
Charnock, Richard, Stephen, Ludus Patronymicus of The Etymology of Curious Surnames. London: Trubner & Co., 60 Paternoster Row, 1868. Print.
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)