Surname Liddle - Meaning and Origin

Liddle: What does the surname Liddle mean?

The surname Liddle is of Scottish and Northern English origin. It derives from the Middle English term "lidel" which means "little" or "small". The name was typically given as a nickname to someone who was small in stature or as an affectionate nickname for a younger sibling. It could possibly also be a locational surname originating from the place called Liddel in Scotland, located near the border with England. Over time, the spelling evolved into various forms such as Liddell, Lidell, Liddall, and Liddle. Its usage as a surname dates back to the early medieval period. Despite its origins, the name Liddle is now found in many different countries due to migration and the passage of time.

Liddle: Where does the name Liddle come from?

The surname Liddle originates from the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. Derived from the Old English "lytel", it primarily denoted someone who was small or short. Liddle was also often used as a nickname. Sometimes it may have identified someone who was the younger of two individuals bearing the same personal name. Another origin could be derived from Lidalia, an ancient Scottish border region which was rendered as 'Liddel' in Old English.

Today, the surname Liddle is predominantly found in Northern England, specifically in Northumberland and Durham. It's fairly common in Scotland as well, particularly in the regions bordering England. Overseas, the name has spread to areas like Australia, the United States, and Canada. The surname has multiple variations, such as Little, Lyttle, Littel, Lytle, and others that have been created over centuries and impacted by factors such as regional accents and illiteracy. However, despite its spread, it's not a common surname.

Variations of the surname Liddle

Variations and alternative spellings of the surname Liddle can include Liddell, Lidell, Lydell, Lyddle, Lyddall, Littell, Little, Lydle, Lidel, Lidelle, and Liddleton. All these forms can be considered as having originated from the same root. Furthermore, there are regional variations such as Lital, Littel, Littler, Littl, Litel, and Lytel that are predominantly found in the English Midlands.

The surname Liddle is of English and Scottish origin. It believed to have derived from a geographical locality "at the Liddel," a parish in county Roxburgh, Scotland. It could also be a diminutive form of "Little." Surnames like this came from a mix of vocational, geographical, and patronymic origins, serving to connect individuals to a family occupation, location or father’s first name.

As with many surnames, the spelling has morphed over centuries due to linguistic changes, regional dialect influences, and sometimes simply illiteracy leading to phonetic spelling variations.

Remember that genealogical research can be complicated by these different spellings, so it’s worth considering all variants if you are researching family history connected to this surname. Also note that people sometimes adopted or were given entirely different surnames in different contexts or times of life, due to social or economic status, apprenticeship arrangements, or other reasons.

Famous people with the name Liddle

• Victoria Liddle: Australian television presenter and radio host
• Sir Michael Liddle: British Conservative Member of Parliament
• Warren Liddle: American actor
• Sir John World Liddle: British politician and businessman
• Richard Liddle: Australian rugby union player and coach
• Claire Liddle: British entrepreneur
• Paul Liddle: British auto racing driver
• Alan Liddle: British cricketer
• Ryan Liddle: Scottish professional football player
• Craig Liddle: English footballer
• Matthew Liddle: English footballer
• Graham Liddle: Scottish footballer
• Kate Liddle: Australian athlete
• Peter Liddle: English composer and folklorist
• Colin Liddle: Australian rugby union player
• Graham Liddle: British professional golfer
• Robert Liddle: English actor
• Dan Liddle: American film producer
• Pat Liddle: British journalist
• James Liddle: British trumpeter

Other surnames

Liddll