NomOrigine Background

Last Name Pool

What is the origin of the last name Pool?

The surname "Pool" is of English and Dutch origin. In Old English, it was derived from the word "pūl," which means a pond or pool of water. It could also be a topographic name for someone who lived near such a body of water. The Dutch variant is "Poel." The surname has been noted in England since the late Middle Ages and in the Netherlands since at least the 13th century.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Pool

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pool

The meaning and origin of the last name Pool

The surname "Pool" is of Old English origin, derived from various geographical locations known as "pools." These were places where water collected, often in low-lying areas or near rivers. Over time, residents living near these pools adopted the name to distinguish themselves from their neighbors.

The name Pool can also be a diminutive of the given name Pulcher (meaning "handsome" or "beautiful") in Norman French, where it may have been used as a nickname for someone perceived as handsome. The surname is found throughout England and has also been taken to other parts of the world by English settlers, particularly during the colonial period. Today, it is common across many English-speaking countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pool

The surname Pool is predominantly distributed across various regions worldwide, with significant concentrations in Europe and North America. In Europe, it is most frequently found in countries such as England, France, and the Netherlands, reflecting its historical origins. In England, the name Pool is particularly concentrated in counties like Dorset, Somerset, and Devon, which were historically known for their mining and fishing industries. In France, it is common in regions including Brittany and Normandy. Moving towards North America, the name Pool is prevalent in the United States, with concentrations in states such as Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi, reflecting historical immigration patterns from England and France. The surname Pool is also found in smaller numbers in other parts of the world, including Australia and Africa, but its distribution remains largely concentrated in Europe and North America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pool

The surname "Pool" has several variations and spellings worldwide, mainly due to differences in pronunciation and transcription over time and across cultures. Some of these include Pool, Pool, Puol, Poull, Poehl, Poole, Pohl, Powell (which is an anglicized form), Pul, Puel, and Pooles. In some instances, the name may be hyphenated or combined with other surnames, such as Pool-Wright, Poolman, or Poolsby. It is also important to note that in countries like Germany and the Netherlands, the name "Pool" can also be found in its plural form "Pouwen", which translates to "ducks". These variations highlight the versatility and adaptability of the surname "Pool" over history and geography.

Famous people with the last name Pool

The Pool family has produced several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most renowned is Julius Aloysius "Julie" Fauvel Marie-Rose Pool, a Dutch chess grandmaster and seven-time women's world champion. Born in 1928, she dominated women's chess from the late 1940s to the mid-1950s. Another prominent figure is Michael Pool, an American film and television actor, best known for his role as Jack McPhee in the ABC drama series "October Road." Born in 1976, he has appeared in numerous films and TV shows since the early 2000s. Lastly, mention must be made of Dana Pool, an American artist and educator, whose works explore the human condition through a unique blend of figuration and abstraction. Born in 1958, she is currently a professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio. These individuals, each excelling in their respective fields, demonstrate the diverse talents and achievements associated with the surname Pool.

Genealogical research on the last name Pool

The surname Pool originates from Old English and Norman-French roots, with various spellings such as Pul, Pole, Poole, and Pooles, arising due to spelling variations common during the Middle Ages and the Great Migration Period. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is Robert de Puleia, who appeared in the Domesday Book in 1086, suggesting Anglo-Saxon origins for some Pool lineages. The Normans also contributed significantly to the Pool surname pool due to their conquest of England in 1066. Over time, Pool families dispersed across Europe and the British colonies, with notable concentrations in areas such as Cornwall, Devon, and London in England; Dorset and Hampshire on the English south coast; Massachusetts, Virginia, and Rhode Island in the United States; and Nova Scotia in Canada. Notable individuals bearing the name Pool include Admiral Sir George De La Warr Pool, a British Royal Navy officer and Governor of the Leeward Islands during the 18th century; and poet and musician Nick Cave, who changed his surname from Kennaway to Cave but traces his lineage back to the Pool family.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Pooajre (Last name)

surnames > pooajre

The last name "Pooajre" appears to have its origin in India. It is a surname commonly found among individuals of Indian descent. The exact meaning and significance of this surname ...

Poocha (Last name)

surnames > poocha

The surname Poocha is of Indian origin. It is derived from the Hindi word "pochha," which means a mop or a cloth used for cleaning. The surname may have originated as an occupation...

Poochadiyath (Last name)

surnames > poochadiyath

The last name "Poochadiyath" is of Indian origin, specifically from the state of Kerala. It is believed to be a surname associated with the Nair community in the region.

Poochakad (Last name)

surnames > poochakad

The last name "Poochakad" is of Indian origin.

Poochavalappil (Last name)

surnames > poochavalappil

The last name "Poochavalappil" is of Indian origin, specifically from the state of Kerala. It is likely derived from a combination of words in Malayalam, the native language of Ker...

Poochenkal abdurahiman (Last name)

surnames > poochenkal-abdurahiman

The last name "Poochenkal Abdurahiman" has origins in India and is likely of South Indian or Malayali descent. It is a combination of a family or caste name followed by a personal ...

Poochigal (Last name)

surnames > poochigal

The last name Poochigal is of Indian origin, specifically from the southern state of Tamil Nadu. It is a Tamil surname derived from the word "Poochi," which means "insect" in Tamil...

Pooe (Last name)

surnames > pooe

The last name "Pooe" is of African origin, specifically from the Sotho language spoken in Lesotho and South Africa. It is likely a surname derived from the Sotho word "pooe," which...

Pooja shrma (Last name)

surnames > pooja-shrma

The surname "Sharma" is of Sanskrit origin and is a Hindu Brahmin and Khatri surname, commonly found in India and Nepal. The surname is derived from the Sanskrit word "Sharma," whi...

Poojarey (Last name)

surnames > poojarey

The last name "Poojarey" originates from India and is commonly found among people of the Hindu faith. It is linked to the profession of performing religious ceremonies, particularl...

Poojary (Last name)

surnames > poojary

The last name "Poojary" is of Indian origin and is commonly found among the Tulu-speaking communities in the state of Karnataka. The name is derived from the title "Poojary" which ...

Poojary kodi (Last name)

surnames > poojary-kodi

The last name Poojary Kodi originates from India, specifically the Tulu-speaking regions in the state of Karnataka. Poojary is a surname commonly used by the Brahmin community, whi...

Poojatanna (Last name)

surnames > poojatanna

The last name "Poojatanna" appears to be of Indian origin. It is possible that it is derived from the Hindi word "pooja" which means worship or prayer, and "tanna" which could be a...

Poojrai (Last name)

surnames > poojrai

The last name Poojrai appears to have its origins in India. It is likely derived from a word or place name in a Indian language such as Hindi or Gujarati.

Pook (Last name)

surnames > pook

The surname Pook is of English origin. It is a topographic name for someone who lived by a creek, from the Medieval English word "poc" meaning "a pool." It could also be a variant ...