Surname Claypoole - Meaning and Origin

Claypoole: What does the surname Claypoole mean?

The last name Claypoole is a British and Irish surname derived from the Old English phrase ‘claeg poel’ which literally translates to ‘clay pool’. This phrase was likely used to describe an area which contained a large clay or mud-filled pool.

The Claypoole surname first appeared in the late 13th century, with the first recorded instance of the surname being documented in Cheshire England in 1278. It is believed that the Claypooles were of Anglo-Saxon origin, meaning that the family would have likely been living in England since before the Norman Conquest of 1066.

The Claypoole name is quite rare, however it has spread throughout the world. In the United States, it is most common in the Southern states, particularly in areas where British pioneers including the Claypooles had settled. In Australia, many Claypooles are descended from English Immigrants and Irish Famine refugees.

The Claypoole name continues to live on today with many family members carrying on the legacy. In the United States, for example, the Claypoole Family Association was founded in 2004 with the goal of maintaining a family history, connecting distant relatives and celebrating the unique heritage of the Claypoole name.

Claypoole: Where does the name Claypoole come from?

The last name Claypoole is most commonly associated with the United States of America. It is particularly prevalent in the states of Pennsylvania and Virginia.

In Pennsylvania, most Claypooles today can be found in the cities of Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Scranton, and York. Philadelphia is home to the highest number of Claypooles in the state with the number growing every year. Notable bearers of this surname in Philadelphia include Allen Claypoole, a well-known printer in the 18th century as well as Norman Claypoole, who served as a United States Army lieutenant during the Second World War.

In Virginia, Claypooles can be found in the cities of Richmond, Norfolk, and Charlottesville as well as in the counties of Shenandoah and Clarke. In Charlottesville, the Claypoole family has been integral to the development of the city since the 18th century. The family has long been associated with local member of the General Assembly as well as circuit court judges.

Worldwide, it is estimated that there are over 50,000 people who are currently living with the last name Claypoole. This family name can be found among people of British, Welsh, Irish, French, and German ancestry.

The Claypoole family is believed to have originated in either France or Wales and is believed to mean “clay-pool” in reference to the village of the same name in Dorset, England. The family coat of arms is composed of a green field with a silver chevron topped with three silver stars.

Variations of the surname Claypoole

The surname Claypoole, also spelled as Claypool, Claypole and Claypole, has English and Irish origins. Claypoole has distinct variants of spelling in different countries and regions, with Claypool being the most common variant.

The original variations of Claypoole surname are Claypole, Claypole, Claypool, Claypoll and Claypoole. It is chiefly found in England, where it is historically connected with the county of Shropshire. The variants of this surname are Claypole, Claypool, Claypoll, Klaipul, Klaipool and Kleipool.

In Ireland, the Claypoole surname is most common in the northeastern counties of Louth and Meath, where it is often spelled as Claypool. The variant of Claypool may also be found in Scotland and in the Scottish border regions.

In the United States, Claypool variants are predominantly found in Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia and the Carolinas. The Claypool surname was also among the earliest recorded in the 17th and 18th century in colonial American records.

In Spain, Claypole is commonly seen. Claypol, Claypoal and Claypolle are found in France, and Klaipulis is seen in Lithuania.

Claypool descendants include actor and filmmaker Robin Williams, who was born Robin McLaurin Claypool, and British actor Oliver Claypool, known for his roles in Romeo and Juliet and Sense and Sensibility.

Famous people with the name Claypoole

• Anthony Claypoole: Lead guitarist and songwriter for the punk rock band Quitapenas.
• Mark Claypoole: Skateboarder sponsored by Natural Koncept Skateboards, Alphanumeric, and RockStar Energy.
• Thomas Claypoole: Captain of the warship Berwick during the American Revolutionary War.
• E. K. Claypoole: Attorney who specialized in intellectual property law.
• Wayne Claypoole: Singer and songwriter from Australia.
• Samuel Claypoole: Pastor of an Irish Reformed Church in Belfast during the 19th century.
• Calvin Claypoole: American academic, professor of Philosophy and Religion at Oberlin College in Ohio.
• William Claypoole: Actor featured in various 50s and 60s television programs including “Gunsmoke” and “Bonanza”.
• Pamela Claypoole: Painter and sculptor who has exhibited her work around Europe extensively.
• John Claypoole: Mother and housewife largely credited for establishing the first helping network for mothers and children in the United States.

Other surnames

Claypool