This interesting name is locational and probably from the Somerset area as the name is particularly well recorded in and around Combe Florey. The origin is however, Olde English and the derivative is from Tote-dael, which probably translates as "one resident at the Watch Tower (Tote) in the Valley (dael)". The name development includes John Totterdell (1663), Izatt Toterell (1604, Stogursey). John Totterdle (1772, Combe Flurey), whilst in 1783 George Totterdill married Betly Hobbes at West Bagborough Church, Somerset. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of John Totterdell. which was dated 1663, married Agnes Taylor at Combe Florey church. during the reign of King Charles II, The Merry Monarch, 1660 - 1685. 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.