Surname Soule - Meaning and Origin

Discovery and Connection: My Fascinating Journey with the iGENEA DNA Test and the Surname Soule

Dive into exploring the power of iGENEA DNA test through my personal journey of discovering the roots of my surname, Soule, and my experience of connecting with others sharing the same name scattered worldwide.

X. Soule

Soule: What does the surname Soule mean?

The last name Soule is derived from the Old French term "soule," which refers to a wooden shoe or clog. The name is of occupational origin, meaning it originally served to denote individuals who made these types of footwear. Over time, it evolved into a surname. Soule is commonly found in northern France and it also spread to regions with significant French influence such as Canada and the United States. As with other surnames, specific derivations can vary based on geographic location and historical context, and it is therefore possible for some families with this name to trace their lineage to different professions or origins. However, the association with footwear remains the most widely accepted interpretation.

Soule: Where does the name Soule come from?

The surname Soule is common today primarily in the United States. It is most prevalent in the northern states, specifically Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania. This name is especially common in the East Coast region of the US, making up 0.8% of all surnames.

Soule first originated in France and comes from the Latin term “sulla”, meaning willow tree. It was first introduced in the 13th century and is thought to be derived from the Old French words, “soule” or “sole”, meaning solace or comfort.

Soule dates back to Cornwall, England in the 12th and 13th centuries, where it is thought to have been brought by Huguenot settlers. People with the Soule family name are believed to have also moved to the colonies during the 16th and 17th centuries.

The Soule name continued to spread to new areas during the 18th and 19th centuries as English, Irish, and Scots settlers departed for other countries and parts of the US. Today, the name Soule is the 10,712th most common surname in the world, with about 11,700 people in the United States alone bearing the name. The name can be found in the ancestral homes of the French, English, Scots, Irish, and German cultures.

Variations of the surname Soule

The surname Soule is an ancient surname of French origin. It has many variants, spellings, and surnames, which are derived from the Old French personal name “Soul”. Over time, the surname has spread throughout Europe and across the world.

Soule is one of the earliest spellings of the name and likely the root of the other variants. It can also be spelled as Sowle, Soul, Soules, Sowles, Sohl, Soles, Sowels, Soulard, Souchon, Souche, Salles, Sol, Sola, Solah, Sul, Souer, Soole, Solles and Solle.

The variants of the name exist in different countries. In the United States, it is most commonly found in parts of French Canada, Louisiana, and the New England area. In France, the variants such as Soulard, Souchon, Souche, Solles, and Solle are more commonly found. In England, the variants Soole and Sol can be found.

The surname is also found in Spain and Germany, where it takes on different spelling and variants such as Sola, Solah, Solaes, Sul, and Souer. In other parts of Europe such as Italy, Sweden, and Norway, the name is found in the variants such as Soul, Sowles, and Sowels.

Many variations of this ancient surname can be found throughout the world, such as Soulié in Austria and Sulewski in Poland. Although the variants are wide-spread, the original French form is the most common.

Famous people with the name Soule

• John Soule: The American hymnwriter and Congregational Minister known for his famous words, “Go West, young man!”
• Pat Soulliere: Professional Canadian Football League player and member of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats
• Rev. Thomas Soule: early English clergyman and benefactor of Harvard College
• Phil Soule: World War I flying ace with three aerial victories
• Charles Soule: Award-winning contemporary American comic book writer and novelist
• Bill Soule: Professional golfer who competed in 19 PGA Tour events between 1960 and 1972
• André Soule: French lawyer, writer, and art collector
• J. Lawrence Soule: American clergyman, missionary, and author
• Clayton Soule: Film, television, and voice actor known for The Partridge Family and Mayberry R.F.D
• Jean-Baptiste Soule: American politician who served as a Democratic member of the Senate of Louisiana from 1888 to 1892

Other surnames

SoulSoulesSoultzerSoulzer