Last Name Troles

The surname Troles has various origins due to its multifaceted nature, making a precise determination of its origin challenging. It can have different roots depending on the region and ethnicity. In some cases, it might be of French origin, derived from the given name "Troilus," which is itself derived from the Greek name "Troïlos," meaning "of Troy." This could suggest that an ancestor was named Troilus or had a connection with Troy in antiquity. Another possibility is that it is of Scandinavian origin, as "trol" is Old Norse for "troll" (supernatural beings in Norse mythology). In this context, the surname could have been given to someone who exhibited troll-like qualities or was associated with these mythical creatures. Lastly, it might be a diminutive form of various names beginning with 'Tro-,' such as Trofim (Slavic), Trond (Norse), or Trevor (Old English). Diminutives are commonly used to indicate affection or familiarity and often evolve into distinct surnames. Given the diversity of possibilities, it is essential to consider the specific geographical area and ethnic group from which the individual with the Troles surname originates to narrow down its potential origins more accurately.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Troles

The meaning and origin of the last name Troles

The surname Troles is believed to have origins from various regions, primarily in Scandinavia, where it may have been derived from Old Norse personal names related to "troll" or "Trold," meaning giant or ogre in Nordic folklore. Another possible origin could be associated with the French word "trole," meaning a type of wooden stake used for securing goods or as a marker, which might have been a job-descriptive surname. The name may also have roots in Old High German, where "Trol(l)" can mean "well-known warrior" or "famous leader." In any case, the name Troles has carried through generations and is currently found across Europe, particularly among descendants of Scandinavian and French immigrants.

Geographical distribution of the last name Troles

The surname Troles is predominantly found in Scandinavia, particularly in Norway and Denmark, where it originates. A significant concentration can be traced back to the regions of Trøndelag and Western Norway in Norway, as well as Jutland in Denmark. Over time, emigration from these areas has led to Troles being present in other parts of Europe and North America, with notable populations in Sweden, Iceland, and the United States, particularly in the states of Washington and Minnesota. Additionally, smaller numbers can be found in other countries due to historical migration patterns. The distribution of this surname reflects its Scandinavian roots and the diaspora of people from these regions over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Troles

The surname Troles has several variations and spellings in English and other languages. Here are some common forms:

* Troeles
* Trolez
* Trolles
* Troleus
* Trolle
* Trolais
* Trollay
* De Troele(s)
* Du Trole(s)
* Le Trole(s)
* Van Troele(s)
* Troelsen
* Troller
* Troill
* Trahles
* Troal
* Troll
* Trolley

These variations can arise due to differences in spelling conventions, dialects, or historical records. It is important to note that not all of these spellings may be equally common or well-known. The original form of the name, and its most common modern spelling, is likely Troles or Trole(s).

Famous people with the last name Troles

Notable individuals with the surname Troels include:

1. **Troels Abrahamsen** (b. 1963), a Danish film director and screenwriter who co-founded the production company Zentropa, known for films such as "The Celebration" (1998) and "Dancer in the Dark" (2000).

2. **Troels Lund Poulsen** (b. 1963), a Danish politician who served as the Minister of Finance from 2015 to 2019 and is currently serving as the Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities since 2020.

3. **Troels Schönemann** (b. 1971), a Danish chef who won the Bocuse d'Or cooking competition in 2007. He is the executive chef at Restaurant AOC in Copenhagen, which has held two Michelin stars since 2014.

4. **Troels Arvin Paisley** (b. 1986), an Australian professional basketball player who currently plays for the Sydney Kings and the Australian national team. He was named the MVP of the 2017–18 NBL season.

5. **Troels Forchhammer** (b. 1963), a Danish entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of the venture capital firm SEED Capital. He served as CEO of TDC Group from 2011 to 2017.

Genealogical research on the last name Troles

The surname Troles is primarily found in Scandinavian countries, particularly Norway and Sweden. It is believed to have originated from Old Norse personal names like "Thórvaldr," which means "Thor's ruler." These personal names were often passed down as family names.

In Norway, the earliest recorded instance of the Troles surname dates back to the 16th century in the region of Viken. The name appears frequently in rural areas such as Telemark and Vestfold. In Sweden, it is found mainly in Götaland, with the first records emerging in the 1700s.

Over time, variations in spelling such as Trolles, Trohls, and Trole appeared due to regional dialects and scribal discrepancies during record-keeping. Migration patterns led to the dispersal of Troles descendants, with some families emigrating to America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The surname is relatively rare, making genealogical research a challenging yet rewarding endeavor for those interested in tracing their Troles ancestry.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Troles"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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