The surname "Steele" has origins in the British Isles, particularly in England and Scotland. It is an occupational surname derived from the Old English word "styli," which means "a worker in steel." The name likely referred to someone who worked with steel or was involved in the steel industry, such as a blacksmith or an armorer.The first documented reference to the surname "Steele" dates back to the early 13th century in England. The name appeared in various forms, including "le Stele" and "Stele." Over time, the spelling evolved, and variations such as "Steel" and "Steal" emerged. The name spread throughout the British Isles and eventually to other parts of the world through migration and colonization. Today the name is the 259th most popular in the United States with over 88,000 people bearing the surname.