Find out how popular the last name Diddle is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Diddle.

Diddle, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Diddle surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Diddle in America

Diddle is the 59017th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Diddle surname appeared 343 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Diddle.

We can also compare 2010 data for Diddle to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Diddle

The surname Diddle is of English origin and can be traced back to the 13th century. It is believed to have derived from the Old English word "dydrian," which means "to deceive" or "to trick." This suggests that the name may have initially been a nickname or an occupational name for someone known for their mischievous or deceitful behavior.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Hundred Rolls of Oxfordshire in 1273, where a person named Richard Didele is mentioned. This document was a survey of landholders and their holdings, providing valuable insight into the distribution of surnames during that period.

The Diddle surname also appears in several other historical records, such as the Lay Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire from 1327, which lists a Robert Dydel. Additionally, the name is found in the Subsidy Rolls of Staffordshire in 1332, where a Thomas Dydel is recorded.

In the 16th century, the surname took on various spellings, including Dydell, Diddell, and Diddal, reflecting the regional variations and phonetic adaptations common during that era. One notable example is John Diddall, who was born in Gloucestershire in 1550 and was recorded as a landowner in parish records.

Sir Thomas Diddle, born in 1620 in Somerset, was a prominent figure who served as a Member of Parliament for Bath during the reign of King Charles II. His contributions to local politics and governance have been well-documented in historical sources from that time.

Another individual of note is William Diddle, a renowned clockmaker born in London in 1685. His intricate timepieces were highly sought after by the nobility and were renowned for their craftsmanship and accuracy.

In the 18th century, the name gained further recognition with the birth of Samuel Diddle in 1736 in Yorkshire. He was a prominent merchant and philanthropist who established several charitable organizations and schools in his hometown.

Lastly, Mary Diddle, born in 1812 in Derbyshire, was a pioneering educator and women's rights advocate. She founded one of the first schools for girls in the region and played a significant role in promoting equal educational opportunities for women during the Victorian era.

These examples showcase the rich history and diverse backgrounds associated with the Diddle surname, spanning centuries and encompassing various regions of England. While the name's origins may have been rooted in a playful or mischievous connotation, it has since evolved to represent individuals from various walks of life, contributing to the cultural tapestry of English heritage.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Diddle

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Diddle.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Diddle was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Diddle has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Diddle was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Diddle, please contact us.

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