Terrell Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Terrell come from? What does the surname Terrell mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Terrell and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Terrell Origin: What does the last name Terrell mean?
The surname Terrell, also spelled Terrill, is of Norman origin and can be traced back to England in the early 13th century. It is believed to mean stubborn or follower of Thor, reflecting its possible roots in Norse mythology. The name gained prominence in England during the 15th and 16th centuries before spreading to the United States with the arrival of Richmond Terrell in 1656. Today, the Terrell surname is present in Ireland, Britain, and the US, with notable members descending from Richmond Terrell or his close relations.
YourRoots data confirms the Terrell surname's early presence in England and its subsequent expansion to the United States by the 17th century. The name has since maintained a significant presence in the US, with over 33,000 individuals recorded in the 2000 US Census. The Terrell surname continues to hold historical significance and remains prominent in genealogy research, reflecting a diverse and storied family history that spans multiple generations and regions.
Terrell Last Name History: Where did the last name Terrell come from?
Origin of Terrell Surname: Where does the last name Terrell originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Terrell first appeared in records from England around the early 13th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Terrell spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Terrell: What does the Terrell surname history look like in the early days?
The Terrell surname started growing significantly in England during the 15th and 16th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Terrell family records in the United States, indicating a spread beyond the initial origins.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Terrell surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Terrell surname grew significantly in the United States. The Terrell surname remains prominent in the United States.
Explore Terrell last name heritage and Terrell surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Terrell Surame?
Taryn Terrell
Taryn Nicole Dryden (née Terrell; born Dec 28, 1985) is a multi-talented American model, actress, stuntwoman, and retired professional wrestler. She gained fame in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) and WWE, where she wrestled as Tiffany. Known for her TNA Knockouts Championship reign, she also served as the final general manager of the ECW brand. With a career spanning various wrestling promotions and roles, Taryn Terrell has left a lasting impact on the world of professional wrestling.
Mary Church Terrell
Mary Church Terrell (September 23, 1863 – July 24, 1954) was an American civil rights activist, journalist, and teacher. She was one of the first African-American women to earn a college degree and played a significant role in advocating for the rights of African-Americans and women. Terrell was involved in various organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the National Association of Colored Women. She was a prolific writer, with works like "Lynching from a Negro's Point of View" and her autobiography, "A Colored Woman in a White World". Terrell's efforts in social activism and education paved the way for future generations of activists and scholars.
Alphonzo Terrell
Alphonzo Terrell (born 1983) is a tech entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of the social media platform Spill, known as the first black-owned social platform. Previously working at Twitter, Terrell created Spill to provide a safe space for marginalized groups like the LGBTQ community. With over 200,000 users and $5 million in funding, Spill has gained recognition from outlets like CNN and Essence. Terrell's career also includes roles at HBO, Showtime, and Sony, showcasing his expertise in digital and social marketing. His dedication to creating inclusive online communities has earned him accolades like the Best Overall Social Presence Brand Webby Winner.
Drew Terrell
Andrew Devon Terrell (July 25, 1991 - ) is an American football coach currently serving as the passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach for the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL. Terrell played college football at Stanford, where he excelled as a punt returner, earning multiple All-Pac-12 honorable mentions. After his playing career, he transitioned to coaching, starting as a graduate assistant at Virginia Tech and later moving on to roles with Michigan, Carolina Panthers, and Washington Commanders. Known for his expertise in the passing game, Terrell brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his coaching positions in the professional football arena.
Tillotson Terrell
Tillotson Terrell (May 1, 1785 – December 23, 1838) was a prominent early settler of Ridgeville Township in what is now Lorain County, Ohio. Born in Waterbury, Connecticut, Tillotson, along with his father and grandfather, traded their land in Connecticut for a quarter of the land in Ridgeville. He arrived in Ridgeville in 1810 with his wife and three children, eventually having eleven children in total. Tillotson played a significant role in the development of the area before his passing in 1838.
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