Last Name Poll

Learn more about the origin of the last name Poll

The meaning and origin of the last name Poll

The surname Poll is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English word "poll" or "pole," which means "a pole" or "a stake." It was often used as a topographic name for someone who lived near a post or stake, possibly marking a boundary, or as an occupational name for a maker or user of poles. The Poll family has been found in England since the early Middle Ages and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears in various forms such as Pole, Polle, and Poll. From England, the surname spread to Scotland and Ireland, where it remains a common name. Famous bearers of this surname include the English philosopher John Poll, who lived in the 15th century, and American politician James K. Poll, who served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Poll

The surname Poll is predominantly found in Northern and Western Europe, with significant concentrations in Germany, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and the United Kingdom. In Germany, it is most common in the regions of Bavaria, Rhineland-Palatinate, and North Rhine-Westphalia. In the United Kingdom, it is particularly frequent in Scotland and the north of England. The name also has a presence in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Scandinavia. Additionally, small populations bearing the surname Poll can be found in other parts of Europe, as well as in North America, where it was brought by European immigrants. In summary, Poll is a predominantly Germanic and Nordic surname, with notable concentrations in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Scandinavia, and a smaller presence across other regions of Europe and North America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Poll

The surname Poll has several variations and spellings, including Poll, Pohl, and Pohlman. Other less common variations are Pol, Poole, and Pulley. These differences may arise due to phonetic or regional spelling variations over time. In some cases, the name may have been anglicized from its original German form, Pohl, which comes from the Old High German word "pohla," meaning "coal." Another possible origin is the Gaelic surname Mac Phollaigh, meaning "son of Paul," although this is less common in English-speaking countries. The variations and spellings serve to illustrate how names can evolve over centuries based on local dialects, cultural influences, and historical events.

Famous people with the last name Poll

Notable individuals with the surname Poll include:

1. Robert Pollard, an American musician, best known as the lead vocalist, guitarist, and principal songwriter for the band Guided by Voices. He is renowned for his prolific output of songs.
2. Arthur F. Pollard, a Canadian paleontologist who contributed significantly to the study of vertebrate fossils in Canada's Arctic region during the early 1900s. His work helped establish the Holarctic Theory.
3. Michael Pollan, an American author and journalist who specializes in writing about food and its culture. He is best known for his books "The Omnivore's Dilemma" and "In Defense of Food."
4. Richard Pollock, a Canadian ice hockey defenseman who played for teams including the New York Islanders and the Toronto Maple Leafs in the National Hockey League (NHL). He is a two-time Stanley Cup champion.
5. James Pollard Espy, an American agriculturalist and inventor who was the first to advocate scientific methods in agriculture, particularly crop rotation. His work laid the foundation for modern conservation farming practices.

Genealogical research on the last name Poll

The surname Poll is of Germanic origin, derived from various place names throughout Germany and Northern Europe. The earliest recorded instance of the name can be traced back to the late Middle Ages, specifically around the 13th century. In its original form, it was often spelled as Pohle or Polle, which were topographical names referring to a polled or unenclosed field. Over time, variations such as Poll, Pohl, and Poole emerged due to spelling inconsistencies in the historical records. This surname spread across Europe with significant populations found in Germany, England, Scotland, and Ireland. Notable individuals bearing the name include German philosopher Johann Georg Poll (1809-1874) and American jurist Charles Evans Hughes (1862-1948), who served as U.S. Secretary of State and Chief Justice of the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

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

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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