Kittley Surname

The History of the Surname Kittley

The surname Kittley is a relatively rare surname that can be traced back to England and the United States. It is believed to have originated as a variant of the more common surname Kettle, which itself comes from the Old English word 'cytel', meaning cauldron or kettle. The surname Kittley likely originally referred to someone who worked with or lived near a kettle or cauldron.

Origins in England

In England, the surname Kittley has a low incidence rate, with only around 20 occurrences in England, primarily in the regions of the East Midlands and West Midlands. The surname likely first appeared in medieval England, with early records dating back to the 15th century. One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname is that of William Kitley, who was mentioned in the Poll Tax records of Yorkshire in 1379.

Over the centuries, the surname Kittley has seen various spellings, including Kittley, Kittler, Kitly, and Kettle. These different spellings can be attributed to variations in dialect and record-keeping practices over time.

Migration to the United States

In the United States, the surname Kittley is more prevalent, with an incidence rate of 81. It is believed that the surname was brought to the United States by early English immigrants during the colonial period. Many Kittley families can be found in states such as Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.

One notable individual with the surname Kittley is Joel Kittley, a prominent football coach who has coached at various universities in the United States. His success in the coaching profession has brought recognition to the surname Kittley in the sports world.

Variants and Derivatives

As with many surnames, the surname Kittley has developed various variants and derivatives over time. Some common variations include Kittley, Kitly, Kettley, and Ketley. These variations may have stemmed from regional dialects or individual preferences for spelling.

Additionally, the surname Kittley may have given rise to patronymic surnames, such as Kittleys and Kittleman. These surnames would have indicated descent from a male ancestor with the surname Kittley.

Modern Day Distribution

Today, the surname Kittley remains relatively rare, with the largest concentrations found in the United States. The surname is most prevalent in the southern and central regions of the United States, particularly in states with a history of English immigration.

While the surname Kittley may not be as common or well-known as some other surnames, its history and origins provide insight into the diverse linguistic and cultural influences that have shaped the English language over time.

Overall, the surname Kittley serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry of surnames that exist in the English-speaking world, each with its unique story and origins.

The surname Kittley in the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is achievable to locate African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Exactly the same occurs in the case of Kittley, which as you can corroborate, it can be said that it is a surname that can be found in the majority of the countries of the globe. In the same manner there are nations in which certainly the thickness of individuals because of the surname Kittley is higher than in other countries.

The map of the Kittley surname

1. United States (81)
2. England (20)
3. Wales (1)