Steele

Steele is a surname of English origin. It exists as an occupational surname for someone involved in metalwork, typically a maker or dealer of steel or other metal, or as a descriptive nickname for a strong or steadfast person. The spelling form Steele is a variant of the more common Steel, and both derive from similar medieval terms for metal or a craftsman.

The name is found throughout the English-speaking world, with large populations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Settlement and migration from Britain from the 17th century onward contributed to its spread. As with many surnames, Steele has numerous branch lineages and regional variants, with different spellings appearing in church and civil records.

In literature, film, and television, Steele is used as a surname for fictional characters, reflecting its status as a familiar, approachable English name. In real life, bearers of the surname have contributed across fields such as politics, science, sports, and the arts, though no single figure defines the name.

Notable modern variants or related names include Steel, Steele, and Steell in some genealogical records. The name Steele is also used for place names and institutions in various regions, sometimes as a toponymic remnant of settlers bearing the surname.