Surname Merrall - Meaning and Origin
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Merrall: What does the surname Merrall mean?
The last name Merrall is of English origin. It's thought that the name may have been derived from the Old English phrase 'merewealh', which was a term for someone who held or lived by a lake or pool (where 'mere' was the old word for 'lake' or 'pool' and 'wealh' for a foreigner or native Briton). The earliest recorded use of this name dates back to 1273, when Robert Merrall appears in the Hundred Rolls of Cumberland.
Merrall is a relatively uncommon surname. It can be found mostly scattered across the UK, although there are a few instances in America mostly in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and some parts of New York.
Merrall is a rare but honorable name, and is generally found among the higher social classes. It is considered to be a status name, usually given to someone who held a substantial office or position within society.
High status is an enduring theme in this surname's history, as is the notion of being a foreigner or native Briton. The Merralls were a respected family and many of their members served in high ranking positions in the courts of England, including Knights Templar.
The Merrall family has a long and proud history with many remarkable individuals emerging from its line over centuries. It is an evocative name that has roots in English history and reveals something of the values and positions of its first holders.
Order DNA origin analysisMerrall: Where does the name Merrall come from?
The last name Merrall is an English surname in origin, related to surnames with the same sound like Merrill and Marrall. Its roots could be traced back to the Medieval period and is believed to have old Anglo-Saxon origins. The surname is still found in some parts of England, particularly in the West Midlands and the South West. It is also found in the United States and Canada, with records from the mid-1800s showing that many people with the surname were living in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Massachusetts.
In the modern day, Merrall is still a fairly common surname, with records showing that there are over 8,000 people with the name living in the United States alone. Records show that one of the most populous states for Merrall is Michigan, with over 400 Merrall's living there. Chicago, Illinois is also a popular place to find the surname.
Merralls are also present in other parts of the world as well. In Canada and Australia, there are around 500 people with the surname. Other countries where Merrall surnames can be found, include Mexico, South Africa, Belgium, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Algeria.
In conclusion, the surname Merrall is still fairly common in many parts of the world, even today. While its presence is strongest in the English-speaking countries of the US, Canada, and Australia, Merrall's can also be found in other parts of the world, making it one of the more widespread British surnames.
Variations of the surname Merrall
The surname Merrall is an occupational surname of English origin, derived from the Old French for "merchant." It is commonly found in England and in other countries where English settlers went. Variants of this surname include Merrel, Merrell, Merril, Merill, Merrills, and Merrill.
Spellings of the Merrall surname can also include Mirrel, Mirrell, Mirril, Mirill, Mirrills, and Mirrill. Some members of the Merrall family dropped the final "l" from their name, resulting in alternate pronunciations with spellings such as Merra, Merrae, Merray, Merry, Merrie, Merrey, and Merri.
Surnames connected to the Merrall family include Merrett, Merrit, Merit, Meritt, Merithew, Marrall, Marrell, Marril, Marrill, Murrell, Murrill, Morrill, and Morell. These surnames are all connected by a common spelling variation of Merrall and likely come from similar versions of the name.
Members of the Merrall family have been involved in many different occupations over the centuries. They have been soldiers, physicians, tailors, distillers, bakers, butchers, and millers, among others. The surname represents a long and proud line of people of different backgrounds and stories.
Famous people with the name Merrall
- Jeff Merrall, Australian motorcycle designer
- Cass Merrall, former Australian rules footballer
- Edward Merrall, English colonial administrator
- Patricia Merrall, British painter, known for her abstract works
- Bill Merrall, English football manager and former player
- Ruth Merrall, Canadian artist specializing in painting and printmaking
- Henry Merrall, American politician from Maryland
- Michael Merrall, English artist who specializes in landscapes and seascapes
- Sir Thomas Merrall, 1st Baronet British Royal Navy admiral
- James Merrall, British judge, formerly Queen's Counsel