Surname Needles - Meaning and Origin

Needles: What does the surname Needles mean?

The surname Needles is of English origin and is a topographic name derived from the Old English term "neodl", which translates to "needle". In the Middle Ages, it was often used to refer to a sharply pointed rock or hill, or a meadow that resembled such a shape. Thus, the surname may have been originally bestowed upon individuals living near or on a piece of land marked by such a geographical feature. Another possibility is that the name could be an occupational surname for someone who made or sold needles. Surnames emerged in the Middle Ages as a way to differentiate between people with the same first names, and occupational and topographic names were common means of accomplishing this. The surname Needles is relatively rare compared to other surnames.

Needles: Where does the name Needles come from?

Needles is a fairly common last name in the United States, most dominant in the mid-Atlantic region. It is most commonly found in Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware in the northeast, as well as Virginia, West Virginia, and Ohio in the southeast. It also has a small presence in other nearby states like New York and North Carolina.

Needles is also an international name, with a small presence in Canada, especially in Ontario, as well as other parts of the world like England, Scotland, and Germany. In England, the most common surname with this spelling is found in the North East regions.

The Needles surname comes from a common surname in the Middle Ages, derived from the Middle English, Old English, and Old French word, “De Naedel.” The name originally referred to someone who worked as a needle-maker. Over time, it has come to refer to people who have lanky fingers, as needles are often thin and long.

Overall, Needles is a fairly common surname today, especially in the northeastern regions of the United States. It is also present in countries like England and Germany, but is found in much smaller numbers. The meaning of the name is connected to thin, needle-like fingers, and originally was an occupational name for someone who made needles.

Variations of the surname Needles

Needles is a common surname of English origin, and largely comes from a nickname deriving from either the practice of using needles to make clothes or for someone with needle-like features such as an elongated chin.

Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin as Needles include:

Neadles, Neadls, Neden, Needell, Needersen, Needer, Needman, Needom, Needon, Needham, Needling, Neddle, Neddles, Nedel, Nedels, Nedles, Nedleman, Neds, Nedsen, Nedson, Neidle, Neidler, Neidles, Neidman, Neidolf, Neidoll, Neidols, Neidolff, Neidolphe, Neidolph and Neidoom.

Needles is also an Americanization of several surnames including Niedles, Neidel, Needl, Needler, Nadel, Nadelman, and Nadler, which are all of German origin.

The same surnames also form the surname Needlesmith, which is derived from the occupations of making or repairing needles, or simply someone with the name Needles.

In the Netherlands, Needles comes from a very old Dutch word for spear, spits, which changed through several Middle Dutch spellings to Nids and Needles.

Needles are also Scottish surnames derived from the Gaelic Mac an Fhilidh, which means “son of the poet” or “son of the harper.”

Finally, the Needles surname in Wales originates from the personal name Edward, taken from patronymics such as Edwardes and Needles.

Famous people with the name Needles

• Ken Needles: a voice actor best known for his work in animated films, television series, and commercials
• Dann Huff: an American record producer and musician with credits including superstar artists such as Faith Hill, Aerosmith, Def Leppard, and Lionel Richie
• Brad Needles: a professional golfer on the PGA Tour and Web.com Tour
• George Needles: a former American college basketball coach
• Alan Needles: an American attorney and former partner at the law firm of Sullivan & Cromwell
• Bronwyn Needles: a Canadian theatre actress
• Amanda Needles: an American ice hockey defenseman
• Debra Needles: a Canadian actress best known for her starring role in The Clockwork Girl
• Scott Needles: an American painter best known for his abstract, bold, and vibrant landscapes
• Kathryn Needles: a world-renowned opera singer and vocal coach.

Other surnames

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