Surname Toler - Meaning and Origin

Tracing the Medieval English Roots of the Surname Toler through an iGENEA DNA Test: A Personal Journey

Delving into the expansive family history carried within my DNA, my iGENEA DNA test has unearthed surprising facts about my surname, Toler. Descended from old English roots, Toler tells the story of my ancestors who were toll collectors in medieval England, before some embarked on a journey to North America for a better life.

L. Toler

Toler: What does the surname Toler mean?

The surname Toler is believed to have originated from England, particularly in the southern regions of Devon and Cornwall. The word “toler” is derived from the ancient Old English pre 7th Century word "tollere", meaning "to collect". It was an occupational name given to a tax or toll collector who was responsible for collecting fees for the use of roads, bridges, and other public services. In medieval times, this was a common and important occupation that was often passed down through generations. Other interpretations suggest that the name could have been a nickname for someone who was tolerant or patient. It's also possible that it could be derived from the Old French word 'tollere', meaning 'to remove' or 'take away'. Overall, the precise origin and meaning of the surname Toler can vary based on geographical location and historical context.

Toler: Where does the name Toler come from?

The last name Toler is most common in the United States today. In the most recent census data, it is a top 300 name in the country, most popular in the South and Mid-Atlantic regions. It is also commonly seen in many countries in the Caribbean, including Jamaica, Bahamas, and Belize.

The origin of the name is found in the Middle English phrase “tolere”, which means “patient, tolerant” or “bearing up”. It is thought the name was used as both a surname and given name in the Middle Ages, but began to be used exclusively as a surname in the 15th century.

The Toler name is found in various forms, including Tolor, Tolar, and Towler. Today, it is retained in many states by families who have descended from English speaking settlers of the 17th and 18th centuries.

Despite its primarily English background, the name is now found all over the world, especially in areas where English is spoken or where people have ancestors who emigrated from the U.S. and other English speaking countries. It is also still given as a given name in some places and is still common in some parts of Europe.

Variations of the surname Toler

The surname Toler is an anglicised version of the old Irish surname Ó Tobartaigh, which means ‘son of Tobarach’ from the Gaelic personal name Tobar. English-speaking variants of this surname include Toller, Tollar, Tollar, Tolor, Toller and Tolour. In Scotland the surname has also been spelled Tullar and Tulour.

It is possible the Toler surname began in the English Midlands with the Norman Conquest in 1066, as the usual form for the early forms of the name was Toller. By the 18th century, the surname had spread to Ireland.

In Scotland, the surname appears to have existed since at least the turn of the 14th century. During that time, the name was mainly spelled as Tullar or Tulour, but variants such as Tollar, Toller and Tolour have also been recorded.

The early Irish Gaelic form of the name - Ó Tobartaigh - seen in many Irish counties is still in existence today and is one of the most common spellings of the surname in Ireland. Variants of the Irish form of the last name include Ó Tobartach, Ó Tobaire, Ó Tobair and Tobin.

Despite the wide variety of forms of the Toler name available, it all derives from a single source. Those with the surname can be of either English or Irish heritage and should have many common ancestors.

Famous people with the name Toler

• Diane Toler: Award-winning Australian film and television actor.
• Michael Toler: Award-winning American actor.
• Jacob Toler: Professional baseball player.
• Scott Toler: American football player.
• James Toler: Actor and director.
• Nathan Toler: Professional basketball player.
• Fred Toler: Race car driver turned race car team owner.
• Panola Toler: Musician and songwriter.
• Nora Toler: American author.
• John Toler: Playwright.
• Otis Toler: American painter and muralist.
• Mary Toler: American Jazz and R&B singer.
• Damon Toler: American actor, director, and writer.
• Wilma Toler: Award-winning children's author.
• Eddie Toler: U.S. Navy Admiral.
• J. Harry Toler: American baseball player and manager.
• John Toler Sr.: American soldier, planter, and politician.
• Tom Toler: American illustrator, cartoonist.
• Emma Toler: American women's rights activist and suffrage leader.
• Jackie Toler: English footballer.

Other surnames

ToleToledanoTolemanTolerton