Claypool
A locational surname meaning “from Claypole,” the Lincolnshire place name that likely meant a muddy or clayey pool.
The #7,595 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 70,554 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Claypool is generally understood as a variant spelling of Claypole, a place-name in Lincolnshire. The place name is usually taken to mean a pool or pond associated with clay or clayey ground, from Old English elements for “clay” and “pool.” The surname therefore began as a locational name for someone who came from or lived near that place.
History
The historical forms show Claypol/Claypole and Claypool used side by side, suggesting the surname’s spelling was never fully fixed. It appears in English records from the 13th century and later spread as bearers moved beyond Lincolnshire. In the United States, Claypool is now established as an uncommon but recognized surname.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
Some early surname collections list Claypool simply as a spelling variant of Claypole rather than a wholly separate name.
From the historical record
“Simon le C^layere, co. Camb., 1273. A Claypole, Claypool, Clay- poole. — Load, 'of Claypole,' a parish in ca Lincoln, five miles from Newark. William de Claypol, co. Line, 127^. A.”
— A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames (alternate scan)