Last Name Soule

Learn more about the origin of the last name Soule

The meaning and origin of the last name Soule

The surname Soule is of Old French origin, derived from the given name Sol or Sul, which was itself a diminutive form of the personal name Soulier, meaning "shoemaker." The name was originally a nickname for someone who made and sold shoes, or possibly for someone who wore stylish footwear. The surname Soule can be found in various forms across Europe, including Sooley, Sole, Solé, and Soulé, and is most common among French-speaking populations. Over the centuries, it has been carried by many notable individuals, including several famous French Huguenots who emigrated to America during the 17th century. Today, Soule remains a relatively uncommon surname, but it continues to be found predominantly among people of French descent.

Geographical distribution of the last name Soule

The last name Soule, originating from Old French and meaning "soul" or "spirit," is predominantly distributed across various regions in the English-speaking world due to historical migration patterns and cultural influence. In England, it's most prevalent in counties such as Norfolk, Suffolk, and Devon. The name also has a strong presence in Scotland, particularly in the Lothian region. In North America, Soule is notably found among descendants of early French-speaking settlers, especially in Quebec, Canada, as well as among Acadian communities in the Maritimes. In the United States, it's most common in states like Maine, Massachusetts, and Louisiana, reflecting the influence of French settlements in those regions. The name is also found in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, where it was brought by British and French immigrants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Soule

The last name Soule has several variations and spellings, some of which include Soul, Sole, Sul, Soules, and Soules-Lee. These variations may have originated due to spelling errors, regional differences, or changes in surname pronunciation over time. Additionally, the name may be of French origin, derived from the word soule, meaning willow tree, or it could potentially be of Norman, English, or Scottish descent with different meanings and origins. The Soule family is known to have a significant history, particularly in North America, and has produced notable figures such as John Lothrop Soule, an American abolitionist, and Charles Henry Soulé, a renowned French mathematician.

Famous people with the last name Soule

The Soule family has produced several notable figures in various fields throughout history. One of the most renowned is John L. Soule (1824-1900), an American journalist, author, and sea captain, best known for his accounts of Arctic exploration during the mid-19th century. He was a frequent correspondent for several major newspapers, including Harper's Weekly, and wrote extensively about his adventures in Alaska and the Artic regions.

Another prominent figure is Edouard Soule (1824-1865), a Confederate general during the American Civil War. He served as an artillerist in the U.S. Army before joining the Confederate forces, where he played significant roles in several key battles, including First Manassas and Fredericksburg. Despite his military successes, he died at the Battle of Cold Harbor in 1864.

Lastly, there's Jean-Baptiste Soule (1770-1858), a French naval officer who rose to prominence during the Napoleonic Wars. He was instrumental in numerous battles and became famous for his daring tactics, earning the nickname "the Napoleon of the West." Among his achievements are the capture of Rio de Janeiro in 1807 and the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, where he served under Admiral Pierre Charles Villeneuve.

Genealogical research on the last name Soule

The surname Soule originates from France and is derived from various locations bearing the same name, primarily located in Normandy and Brittany regions. The earliest known record of the name dates back to the 12th century, where Adam de Solio is mentioned in the Cartulary of St. Martin de Vertou in Anjou, France. Over time, the name spread to other countries due to migration, with notable concentrations found among French and British settlers in Canada, the United States, and Australia. Notable individuals bearing the surname Soule include Jacques Soule, a French military officer who played an essential role in Napoleon Bonaparte's campaigns, and John Soule, a privateer during the Elizabethan era in England. The Soule family has also produced several prominent political figures, academics, and artists throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Soule"
• 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 : 23 July 2025