This is a late medieval variant spelling based upon the pre 7th Century Olde English "Cruc-halh" and translating as "one who dwelt at the house (halh) on the hill top (Cruc)". The name may also derive from the villages of Crichel in Dorset or from some now "lost" village. The placename development includes "Circel" as found in the Domesday Book of 1086 and Kerechal in 1224, the surname recordings include Richard Crittle (1624, London), George Crittles (1626, London), whilst on July 17th 1713 in London, Sarah Crittall married William Pearless at St. Benets, Pauls wharf in the reign of Queen Anne (1702 - 1715). The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Ralfe Critle, which was dated 1622, christened at St. Brides, Fleet Street, London, during the reign of King James I of England and VI of Scotland, 1603 - 1625. 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.