Surname Nuckolls - Meaning and Origin

Nuckolls: What does the surname Nuckolls mean?

The surname Nuckolls is of English origin. It is derived from a place name such as 'Knockholt' in Kent, Southern England. Over time, the pronunciation and spelling of such place names changed, resulting in various versions including Nuckolls. Therefore, it is a topographic surname given to individuals who resided in or near such locations. However, no definitive meaning can be attributed to the name Nuckolls itself, as it is heavily modified from its original form. Similar to many surnames of this nature, it can provide a hint of where a family may have originated, offering a potential link to geographical or regional roots. As such, the surname Nuckolls could be a symbol of familial heritage and identity.

Nuckolls: Where does the name Nuckolls come from?

The last name Nuckolls can be found in both the United States and Canada today.

In the United States, the Nuckolls name is most commonly found in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas. The population is mostly in the South, but there are small pockets of the name in other parts of the country as well.

In Canada, the surname is most prominently found in British Columbia, Manitoba, and Alberta. The population is much smaller in the Great White North, with the number of people bearing the Nuckolls surname believed to be around 1,000 people.

The origin of the name Nuckolls is thought to be of English derivation, but there is some disagreement over the exact details. Some believe that it is an occupational name derived from a Norman French word, while others say it is derived from a German surname.

The name Nuckolls is primarily found in English-speaking countries today, but one can also find the surname in parts of South America, Asia, and Africa.

Regardless of the origin or the location, the name Nuckolls is quite common today and carries a great deal of history and tradition with it. To those who bear the name, it's more than just a surname; it's a part of their identity.

Variations of the surname Nuckolls

The surname Nuckolls is a variation of several different surnames, all of which have a common origin. The spelling and variants of Nuckolls include:

Nuckels: This is the most common variation. It is a German surname derived from the Middle High German nickname “Nukkel” which translates to “Doubter” or “Skeptic.” The surname is also found with the spelling Nuckles, Nuckells, Nucalis, Nucarols, and Nuchels.

Nuckolls: This variation is of English and Welsh origins and could have been derived from the Old English personal name “Nicolet” which means “People’s Victory.” It is also found with the spelling Nuckles, Nuckells, Nucarols, Nucalous, Nucales, Nucalls, and Nucolas.

Knuckles: This is an English variant, derived from the Old English word “cnocc” which means “a knuckle.” This variant is found with the spelling Kuckles, Knuckels, Knuckells, Knucarols, Knucales, Knucalls, and Knucolas.

Newkirk: This is an English variant of the surname, derived from an old place name which is derived from the Old English elements “newe” meaning “new” and “circe” meaning “church.” It is also found with the spelling Newkirks, Newkirke, Newkirkle, Newkarol, Newkolas, and Newkales.

Nickel: This is a German variant of the surname, derived from the Middle High German personal name “nikla” which means “victory of the people.” This surname is also found with the spelling Nickels, Nockels, Nockles, Nuckels, Nuckles, Nuckells, Nucarols, Nucalus, Nucales, and Nucalls.

While these are the most commonly known variants of the surname Nuckolls, it is possible that there could be other spellings and variants due to changes in spelling over time and immigration between countries.

Famous people with the name Nuckolls

• Devin Nuckolls: professional American football player
• Burr Nuckolls: 19th-century American banker
• Jeff Nuckolls: American writer and professor
• Seth Nuckolls: American cyclist
• Clifford Nuckolls: Major General in the U.S. Army
• Joseph Nuckolls: American army officer and land surveyor
• Charles Nuckolls: Arkansas state supreme court justice
• William Nuckolls: former American diplomat
• Tera Nuckolls: actress
• Jay Nuckolls: professional football player
• Joe Nuckolls: NASCAR driver
• Jack Nuckolls: former president of Radford University
• Bryan Nuckolls: minor league baseball player
• Harold Nuckolls: corporate attorney
• Fanny Nuckolls: early suffragette and public servant
• Austin Nuckolls: American lawyer
• Isaac Nuckolls: doctor and early colonizer of North Georgia

Other surnames

NuckolesNuckols