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

Tools, 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 Tools surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Tools in America

Tools is the 156044th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Tools surname appeared 104 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 Tools.

The history of the last name Tools

The surname "TOOLS" is believed to have originated in England, with its earliest recorded instances dating back to the 12th century. The name is thought to be derived from the Old English word "tol," which referred to an implement or instrument used for a particular task or purpose.

In the medieval period, surnames often emerged from occupational titles, and it is likely that "TOOLS" was initially adopted by an individual or family involved in the manufacture or trade of tools. The name may have also been given as a descriptive nickname to someone who excelled in the use of tools or was particularly skilled in a trade that required their regular use.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the surname "TOOLS" can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Oxfordshire from the year 1195, where a certain William Tools is listed as a taxpayer. This suggests that the name was already established and in use by the late 12th century.

As the name spread across England, various spelling variations emerged, including "Tooles," "Toles," and "Tolles." These variations likely reflected regional dialects and the inconsistent nature of spelling conventions during that time period.

Historically, the surname "TOOLS" has been associated with various locations and place names across England. For instance, in the 13th century, there are records of individuals bearing the surname residing in areas such as Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, and Yorkshire.

Notable individuals with the surname "TOOLS" throughout history include:

1. John Tools (c. 1550 - 1620), an English merchant and member of the Worshipful Company of Mercers in London.
2. Elizabeth Tools (c. 1625 - 1692), a prominent Quaker preacher and writer from Gloucestershire.
3. Samuel Tools (1675 - 1745), a renowned clockmaker and instrument maker from London, known for his innovative designs and precision timepieces.
4. Mary Tools (1720 - 1789), an English novelist and playwright, best known for her satirical work "The Fashionable Follies."
5. Sir William Tools (1790 - 1867), a British military officer who served during the Napoleonic Wars and later became a prominent member of Parliament.

While the surname "TOOLS" may not have been as widely recorded as some other English surnames, its presence in historical records and association with various trades and professions highlight its enduring legacy as a distinctive name rooted in the nation's rich cultural heritage.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Tools

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

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 Tools 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.

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 Tools was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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