Surname Terrill - Meaning and Origin
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read moreTerrill: What does the surname Terrill mean?
The surname Terrill is of Norman French origin and indicates geographical locality. Originally derived from the Old French term "terril", meaning "dry earth" or "dry land", it suggests that the initial bearer of the name probably lived or worked in such conditions. This could have referred to someone who had land that was particularly dry or some sort of elevated or barren location. It's possible the surname Terrill also refers to someone who came from any of the several places in France, named with this word. Over the years, Terril has evolved into various forms, including Terrill, Tirril, and Tyrrill. As with many surnames, spelling variations can occur due to translation between languages and changes over time. Given that surnames often reflected one's occupation, social status, or place of residence during medieval times, one can deduce that the Terrills have strong historical connections to agricultural or similar settings.
Order DNA origin analysisTerrill: Where does the name Terrill come from?
The last name Terrill is most common today in the United States. It has a large presence in the Midwest and South, particularly in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama. It is one of the most popular last names in these states, making it an integral part of the region’s history.
Terrill is also an English name, and the Terrill family can trace their roots to England centuries ago. Though the last name saw a surge in the United States during the 1800s, it is still a common surname in England and Wales. Variations of the last name such as Terrell, Tarlton, Turl, and Turlet can be found in both England and the United States.
While the origin of the last name Terrill remains somewhat a mystery, it can be traced back to an Old English word, ‘terryl’, which means ‘threshing floor’. It appears to be a locational last name, used to distinguish between people who lived near threshing mills.
The name is also very popular in South Africa, especially among the Afrikaans-speaking population. It is thought to have been brought to South Africa by British colonists.
The last name Terrill can be found all over the world today, from the United States and South Africa to England and Wales. It is a long-standing last name that has played an important role in many countries’ histories.
Variations of the surname Terrill
The surname Terrill is derived from the Old French-Norman name, Toril, which means "victorious quantity" or "victorious ruler". This surname is common throughout many parts of the world including England and Scotland.
Variants of this name include Terill, Terillot, Terrel, Tarrell, Terriel, Terrall, Terral, Tryall, Tyrrell, Torrell, Torril, and Tyril.
In countries with French-speaking populations, such as France, Belgium and Canada, the surname can also be spelled Toriel or Torillon.
The surnames Tarrant and D'Terrill are also related. The first is taken from an old French word for "bold" or "resolute", while the second is a variation of the spelling of Toril.
In Scotland, the spelling Tirrell is sometimes used. In the United States, some immigrants changed the spelling of the name to Terrell or Terrill.
There are also variations in spelling of the surname in other countries such as Peru, where it is sometimes spelled Tiril, and Israel, where it is spelled Terel.
Other variants of the name Terrill may be found in Germany, where it is spelled Triel, in Italy where it is spelled Terilli, in Denmark where it is spelled Terhol, and in Sweden where it is spelled Thorill.
Famous people with the name Terrill
- William Terrill: American politician and former U.S. Representative from Indiana.
- John Terrill: Preacher and Professor of Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary in New Jersey.
- Barry Terrill: an American writer and storyteller.
- George Terrill: a British banker and Member of Parliament.
- Adam Terrill: a contemporary American guitarist.
- Paul Terrill: a former major league baseball player.
- Isaiah Terrill: a Polymath and Pioneer in the field of mathematics.
- Rebecca Terrill: a singer-songwriter who achieved fame in the country music industry.
- Damon Terrill: an American actor.
- Michael Terrill: WWE Wrestler and former champion.