Thrustle

This unusual and interesting name is of early English medieval origin. It is an example of the very English tendency to create surnames from nicknames, often from a nickname given for some resemblance, real or imagined, to the characteristics of a bird or animal. In this case, the nickname is from the 'thrush', and derived from the pre 7th Century word 'throstle'. Originally it was probably given to someone known for being cheerful, or with a good voice, the thrush being noted for its cheerful song. Other medieval nickname surnames from birds are Hawk, Sparrow, Lark and Swan. The modern surname can be found in a number of spelling forms including Throssell, Thrussell and Thrustle. The first recorded spelling of the family name is believed to be that of Roger Throsle, which was dated 1282, in the Assize Rolls of the city of Chester. This was during the reign of King Edward I, known as "The Hammer of the Scots", 1272 - 1307. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.