This is a slightly 'anglicised' variant spelling of the Olde German, pre 7th Century 'distel', a topographical surname for one who was resident in an area of Gorse or thistles. In the medieval period the name developed a nickname form and was given to a person with a difficult or prickly personality! The modern variant spelling include Distler, Didler and Diestelmann, whilst a Bavarian Coat of Arms was originally granted to 'Distl' (circa 1580). The name recordings in England date from the Huguenot period (circa 1640 - 1780), Anne Disdil being recorded on November 29th 1769 at St. Pauls Church, Covent Garden, London. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Rebecca Disdell, which was dated 1750, christened at St. Botolph without Aldgate, London, during the reign of King George II, 'The last Warrior King', 1727 - 1760. 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.

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