Poile (surname)


Poile is an English surname of several possible origins.

Origins

There are numerous claims as to the origins of the Poile surname, known as location and occupational origins.

Apulia, Italy

Ethnic name from the Middle English Poille, Poyle, Apuelle, which are representations of Apulia, Italy, and denote someone from there; Pulleis denotes 'man of Apulia', or 'Pulley'. Thus Poile is considered in this instance a variant of Pulley.

Poyle, England

A locational surname from a place called Poyle, Surrey, a small town near to Heathrow airport. The place name is derived from the Middle English 'pol', meaning pool, pond, deep place in a river.
For the place in England, see Poyle, England.

Occupational name

Poil is French for hair or bristle, which leads to the suggestion the surname is derived from a trade, perhaps the making of brushes.
A large proportion of individuals with the Poile surname resided in Kent and Sussex at the time of the 1881 census, and it has been suggested that the name originated from France.

Primary locations

The Poile surname is primarily found in southern England.

Frequency

Current frequency in Great Britain is estimated at 155 individuals, whereas in 1881 there were 129 individuals.
According to England and Wales census data, the number of individuals with the Poile surname were:
1841: 114
1881: 150
1921: 171

Notable people

Variants

Variants include Poyle, Poyl, and Poil, listed as variants of Pulley.