Family name origins & meanings
- English : habitational name from a minor place in the parish of Millom, Cumbria. The name is not recorded until the 13th century. The first element is probably from Middle English apostel ‘apostle’, used as a nickname or personal name (see Postle). Alternatively, it may represent a survival of an Old English personal name, Possel. The second element is northern Middle English thwaite ‘clearing’ (Old Norse þveit).