Last Name Mole

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mole

The meaning and origin of the last name Mole

The surname Mole is of Old English origin, derived from the word "molle," which means "grinder" or "miller." It was initially an occupational name for someone who worked as a miller, grinding grains to make flour. The term "mole" also refers to a burrowing mammal, and it's possible that the surname could have originated from a nickname based on a physical resemblance or behavior reminiscent of this animal. The name is found predominantly in England but can also be found in other English-speaking countries due to migration and historical events. Variations of the surname Mole include Molloy, Moll, Molle, and Mall, among others.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mole

The surname Mole is predominantly found in French-speaking regions, particularly in France, where it ranks among the top 3,000 most common family names. It is also present in neighboring countries such as Belgium, Switzerland, and Luxembourg due to historical migration patterns. Additionally, a significant number of people with the Mole surname can be found in Quebec, Canada, reflecting French colonization and immigration. In Britain, particularly in England, the name Mole has been recorded since the Middle Ages, although it is less common compared to its presence on the continent. The distribution of the Mole surname also extends to other parts of the world due to migration and diaspora, with communities in countries such as the United States, Australia, and South Africa.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mole

The surname Mole, with roots originating from various Anglo-Saxon and Norman French origins, has several variations and spellings. These include Moll, Molle, Moley, Mool, Moole, Moule, and Mulé. Each of these versions may have been influenced by regional dialects, transcription errors, or changes over time. Additionally, the name may also be found as Mola, in some Italian or Spanish lineages, and as Molah, Molloh, or Moloh in certain Jewish families. The variations serve to emphasize the rich cultural history associated with this surname and its diffusion across different geographical locations and communities over centuries.

Famous people with the last name Mole

Notable individuals with the surname Mole include:

1. Kenneth O. Moffett (born Mole), an American animator and director who worked for Hanna-Barbera, creating popular cartoons such as The Jetsons, Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!, and Yogi Bear.
2. Sir Charles Patrick Moseley, a British zoologist and primatologist, best known for his studies on primate behavior in the wild. He is also renowned for his research on bonobos, our closest living relatives after chimpanzees.
3. Robert A. Moffat (born Robert A. Mole), an American diplomat who served as U.S. Ambassador to South Africa and as Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs under President George W. Bush.
4. Daniel Mole, a British mathematician known for his work on the theory of differential equations, particularly in the field of bifurcation theory. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 2013.
5. Tim Moyle (born Timothy Mole), an English actor and comedian who is best known for appearing in the BBC comedy series The Office as Gareth Keenan's friend, Neil Godwin.
6. Moe Moseley, an American basketball player who played college basketball at the University of Cincinnati and professionally for several teams in various leagues around the world, including the Continental Basketball Association, Israel Basketball Premier League, and the Philippines' PBA.
7. J. R. R. Tolkien (originally Ronald Mole), an English writer, philologist, and university professor who is best known as the author of the classic high-fantasy works The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Although he later changed his surname to Tolkien, it was originally Mole during his early life in South Africa.

Genealogical research on the last name Mole

The surname Mole is of French origin, derived from the Old French "moule," meaning a mold or millstone. It was primarily a regional name, most commonly found in Normandy and parts of northern France. During the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, many Norman families, including those bearing the Mole surname, migrated to England. The Mole family has been recorded in English records since this time, with one of the earliest known instances being Walter le Moule, who was listed in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over subsequent centuries, the Mole family expanded throughout England and Ireland. Notable individuals bearing the surname include Sir John Mole, a prominent figure during the English Civil War, and Mary Molesworth, an Irish writer and poet. The Mole family's migration continued in later years, with members of the family settling in various parts of North America, most notably in Canada and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Mole"
• 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 : 11 June 2025