Turnell Surname

The Origins of the Surname Turnell

The surname Turnell is of English origin and is derived from the medieval given name "Tournay." The name Tournay itself is from the Old French word "tornoi," which means a tournament or jousting match. It is likely that the original bearer of the name was either a participant in such events or was associated with organizing them.

Turnell is classified as a patronymic surname, meaning that it was originally based on the father's name. In this case, the name Tournay was likely used as a personal name for a male ancestor, and over time, it evolved into a hereditary surname for his descendants.

Early Records and Migration

Early records of the surname Turnell date back to the Middle Ages in England. The name was found in various regions, including Yorkshire, Lancashire, and London. As England began to expand its influence through colonization and trade, the surname Turnell spread to other English-speaking countries.

In the United States, the surname Turnell can be found in early colonial records, particularly in New England and the Mid-Atlantic states. Many immigrants from England brought the name with them during the waves of migration in the 17th and 18th centuries.

In Australia and New Zealand, the surname Turnell was likely introduced by British settlers during the colonization of these countries in the 19th century. The name may have also been brought by convicts or military personnel stationed in the region.

Notable Bearers of the Surname Turnell

Throughout history, individuals with the surname Turnell have made significant contributions in various fields. One such notable bearer is John Turnell, an English botanist known for his work on plant taxonomy in the 19th century. His research on plant species helped advance the field of botany and has left a lasting impact on the scientific community.

In the United States, the Turnell family has been involved in politics, business, and the arts. William Turnell, a prominent politician in the early 20th century, championed social reform and economic development in his home state. His efforts to improve the lives of working-class Americans are remembered to this day.

Modern Distribution and Variants

Today, the surname Turnell is relatively rare compared to other English surnames. According to data compiled by surname experts, the incidence of the surname Turnell is highest in England, particularly in the regions of Yorkshire and Lancashire. In the United States, the surname is most commonly found in states with historically large populations of English immigrants, such as New York and Massachusetts.

Variants of the surname Turnell exist in different countries and can be spelled in various ways, including Turnall, Turnhill, and Turnwell. These variations may have emerged due to differences in pronunciation or regional dialects. Despite these differences, all variants ultimately trace back to the original Old French name Tournay.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the surname Turnell is a distinctive and historically significant name with roots in medieval England. Its origins in the world of tournaments and jousting make it a unique and intriguing name for genealogists and historians to study. The presence of the surname in multiple countries highlights the enduring legacy of the Turnell family and their contributions to society.

The surname Turnell into the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is possible to find African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. The exact same occurs in the case of Turnell, which as you're able to corroborate, it can be said it is a surname which can be found in all the countries of the globe. In the same manner you can find nations in which undoubtedly the thickness of people because of the surname Turnell is higher than in other countries.

The map of this Turnell surname

1. England (415)
2. United States (329)
3. Australia (78)
4. Canada (44)
5. Switzerland (42)
6. Wales (25)
7. New Zealand (16)
8. Brazil (2)
9. Scotland (2)
10. Sweden (2)
11. Vietnam (1)
12. United Arab Emirates (1)
13. Austria (1)
14. Netherlands (1)