Surname Terell - Meaning and Origin
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Terell: What does the surname Terell mean?
The last name Terell is of Anglo-Saxon origin, primarily found in English-speaking countries. This surname is a variation of the name Tyrell, derived from Old French "tirel", which means to "pull" or "to drag", thus, alluding to a stubborn person. It was also occasionally used as a nickname in the Middle Ages for a stubborn or obstinate individual. With the passing of time, the spelling of the name underwent various changes with Tyrell, Terrell, Terrill, Turrel, Turel being few of them. It is important to remember that the surname's meaning might have varied depending on the cultural and geographical contexts. As a surname, it commemorates an ancestral figure or clan, preserving familial stories and heritage across generations. Like many surnames, it may also be associated with specific historical events, families, regions, or occupations. It is nowadays disseminated globally mainly due to the British Empire's expansion and is found in many former colonies like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Order DNA origin analysisTerell: Where does the name Terell come from?
The last name Terell is more commonly seen in the United States. Specifically, in states like Texas, Arkansas, and Georgia the last name Terell is the most popular. It's popularity is relatively easy to trace given its origins in the Southern United States. When researching the last name, we can trace it back to the Terell family arriving in the United States during the early 17th century on a Dutch emigration.
The Terell family eventually settled in Virginia and then expanded to Texas and other Southern locations. The mix of Virginia, Texas, and Southern Georgia can be seen in the descendants of the original Terell family. As a result, the descendants of the original Terells have seen the name spread throughout the United States.
Today, the last name Terell is still popular in the South, being seen in areas like Shreveport, La., Memphis, Tenn., and Birmingham, Ala. However, as many have relocated to all parts of the United States, it has also become popular in places like Chicago, Ill., New York City, and California.
The last name Terell is popular today and can typically be found in the states that contain a larger concentration of descendants of the original Terell Family. As their descendants migrated out of the South, their descendants have taken the last name with them and shared it with their new communities.
Variations of the surname Terell
The origin of the surname Terell dates back several centuries and is likely of English origin. Several variants of the surname exist, with alternative spellings and even different surnames of the same origin. The most common Anglo-Saxon spelling of Terell is Terrell, with other variants including Terrill, Tarrell, Terral, Terril, Torrell, Torrill, Tirrell, Tyrrell, and Tirrel.
Terrill is the most common variant of the surname Terell, with the spelling Terrall appearing to be the less popular form. Other variants of Terell include Tyrell, Tyral, Tirrell, and Tyrrell, with Tyra being the feminine version of the surname.
The Terell surname is likely derived from the Latin word “torrellum,” meaning a large fortified tower. This suggests that the surname was likely applied to people who owned a large tower. In time, the surname Terell became associated with military families, with many of these families involved in prominent battles throughout history.
Other variants of the surname Terell are seen predominantly in Scotland, Ireland, and the Netherlands. Surnames like Terrell, Torrell, Toro, and Terrellson are more common in Scotland, while Tirrell, Torrell, and Tirril are seen in Ireland. In the Netherlands, Torrell, Terrill, Terill, and Tirrill are the most common variants of the surname.
The surname Terell is also commonly found throughout much of the United States, particularly in the eastern states of Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina. A number of African Americans also share the surname, due to instances where those of African descent often took on the names of their slave owners. This is seen frequently in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.
Famous people with the name Terell
- Tom Terrall: American actor, stuntman and stunt coordinator, best known for work in Twister, Batman Forever, and Robin Hood: Men in Tights
- Anthony Terrell: American football safety who played one season with the Minnesota Vikings
- Keke Terrell: American model and former Mrs. Georgia
- Terry Terrell: former American football safety in the National Football League
- Vic Terrell: American hobbyist and sports car driver in the 1950s
- D.L. Hughley’s son: Clayton Thomas Terrell Hughley, actor and comedian
- Ted Terrell: former American football defensive back who played nine seasons in the National Football League
- Wayne Terrell: former American football defensive back who played three seasons in the National Football League
- Fred Terrell: influential American abstract artist from San Francisco
- Louis Terrell: former actor, engineer and former executive, also known for being a part of an adventure team that included the first woman to ski to the North Pole