Last Name Caules

The surname Caules is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "caul" meaning "cabbage stalk," and was often used as an occupational name for a farmer who grew cabbages. Over time, it has taken on various forms in different regions, such as Caules, Caulesse, or Caulles.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Caules

The meaning and origin of the last name Caules

The surname Caules is a variant of the French surname "Caulé," which itself has roots dating back to medieval France. Originating from Normandy or Brittany, it was originally a topographic name for someone who lived near a swamp or marsh, as "caulée" means 'swamp' or 'muddy place' in French. The spelling variations of this surname include Caulles, Caulesse, Caulais, and others, all stemming from the original form. As populations migrated during historical events such as the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, the name spread to other regions, including England, where it can be found today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Caules

The surname Caules is predominantly found in France, particularly in the Brittany region, where it originated from. It is also present in other French-speaking regions such as Normandy and Alsace. A significant number of Caules descendants can be traced to North America, primarily in Canada and the United States, due to French colonization and subsequent immigration waves. In Canada, the name is most prevalent in the province of Quebec, reflecting the strong historic ties between France and the region. In the United States, Louisiana, Maine, and Vermont have higher concentrations of individuals bearing the Caules surname. The distribution of this surname also extends to other European countries like Belgium and Switzerland due to migration and historical events.

Variants and spellings of the last name Caules

The surname Caules has several variations and spellings. These include Cawles, Cowles, Cole, Coales, Caulese, Kaules, Kaules, Cauels, Caulls, Kaulz, Cowlz, Colez, and others. These variations are due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, and intentional alterations over time. The name is of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from the Old English word "cawel" which means "coal" or "charcoal maker." It is also suggested that it could be a nickname for someone who had dark complexion or hair, similar to the modern term "Coal Black." However, like many surnames, its specific origins can vary depending on the family lineage.

Famous people with the last name Caules

Notable individuals with the surname Caules include: 1. Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle (1859-1930), a Scottish author and physician, most famous for creating the character Sherlock Holmes. Although not born Caules, he married Jean Elizabeth Caules in 1907. 2. George Thomas Caules (1886-1948), an American professional baseball player who played as a catcher from 1905 to 1913 for the St. Louis Cardinals and Philadelphia Athletics. 3. William B. Caules (born 1928), an American politician and businessman, who served as the Mayor of Jacksonville, Florida from 1971 to 1979. 4. James J. Caules (1890-1965), a United States Army general who served in both World War I and II. He was the Commanding General of the U.S. Third Army during World War II. 5. Robert Caules (born 1937), an American architect and urban designer, best known for designing the Northgate Mall in Seattle and the Central Park Mall in Dallas.

Genealogical research on the last name Caules

The Caules surname is believed to have originated from the French region of Caux, Normandy. The first recorded mention of the name dates back to the 13th century. Over the centuries, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have evolved in various parts of Europe. One of the earliest known Caules families migrated from France to England during the Norman Conquest in the 11th century. The Caules family was particularly prominent in Kent, England, where they held significant landholdings. In the 17th and 18th centuries, many Caules descendants emigrated to America, primarily settling in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. Throughout their history, Caules families have made notable contributions in various fields such as politics, arts, science, and military service. Today, the Caules surname is found across the globe, with significant populations in France, England, United States, Canada, and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Caules"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 13 June 2025

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