Surname Sherrill - Meaning and Origin

Unearthing Ancient Roots: Surprises From My iGENEA DNA Test and Sherrill Surname Exploration

Eager to explore my genetic history and learn about my deep-rooted ancestors, I undertook the iGENEA DNA test. Much to my excitement, the results were not only confirming my membership in the Sherrill family-but presented a rich cultural mix, seemingly plucked from distinct epochs and far-flung corners of the world.

H. Sherrill

Sherrill: What does the surname Sherrill mean?

The surname Sherrill is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from the Old English pre-7th-century word "scir-heal", which loosely translates to "bright nook" or "shining corner". A topographic surname, it was often given to people who lived in a bright, sunny corner of a village or a region known for its brightness or clear quality. Over time, its spelling altered due to changes in pronunciation and it evolved into various forms including Sherrill, Sherwill, Sherril, and Sherrell. It's important to note that surnames can have multiple origins and the meaning and origin of the name can vary greatly depending on the lineage and geographical location of one's ancestors. So, the surname Sherrill might have different meanings in different cultures or regions. However, generally the surname is associated with brightness or clarity, potentially indicating a bright or clear characteristic in an ancestor who was the original bearer of the name.

Sherrill: Where does the name Sherrill come from?

The last name Sherrill is commonly found in the United States today. Since the beginning of the twentieth century, the Sherrill name has become increasingly popular with some states having high per-capita concentrations.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the states with the highest per-capita presence of Sherrill surnames include North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, Florida, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Alabama. While the highest concentration of Sherrills is found within the borders of North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee, the other states still hold a significant portion of the Sherrill population.

In addition, the Sherrill name can also be found in progressive numbers in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, such as Washington, Oregon, and California. This is likely due to the Sherrills having left the South in search of better economic opportunities.

On an international level, the Sherrill last name is also quite common in the countries of Ireland and the United Kingdom. While not all of these individuals may have a close common ancestor to the early American Sherrills, many do, thus bringing the Sherrill name to the wider world.

Variations of the surname Sherrill

The surname Sherrill is an old English name derived from a place known as Sherewell located in Lancashire. Its variants include Sherwell, Shearwell, Sherrill, and Shearill. It can also be spelled Shirl, Shirrell, Shirrill, Shurill, and Shurrell.

Other associated surnames of the same origin include Shurwood, Shearwood, Sherwood, Sherewood, Sherwoode, Sherrwood, Sherwoode, Shirewood, Shearward, Shereward, Sherrward, Shireward, Sherwoodd, Shirewoodd, Shirwood, Sherewoodd, Sharwood, Sherewcakes, Sherrlocks, Shearwoodd, Sherwin, Shervyn, Sheerwin, Sheervyn, Sharwin, and Sharvyn.

The name is believed to have come from an Old English personal name, “Scerd” which means “one who is foresighted”. It may also be rooted in the Old Norse name “Skeggi” or “Skalgi” which suggest “beard”. A number of Sherrill bearers of the name moved to America during the 1800s and can be found in Georgia, North Carolina, New York, Virginia and Tennessee.

Famous people with the name Sherrill

• Gary Sherrill: an American actor who has appeared in shows like The Wonder Years, Everwood, and The West Wing.
• Tom Sherrill: a Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer of Wieden + Kennedy, an American advertising agency
• Chris Sherrill: a retired American football player from Arkansas who played in the NFL for the Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots, and Seattle Seahawks
• Alex Sherrill: an American singer-songwriter, known for her song "White Bird"
• Carson Sherrill: an American country artist known for his song "Old Familiar Feeling"
• Tristan Sherrill: a professional race car driver from Indianapolis, Indiana
• Sam Sherrill: an American film and television producer, best known for his work on The X-Files and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
• Mary Sherrill: an American author who wrote the book Mississippi!
• Jack Sherrill: a professional golfer from Louisiana who has won multiple tournaments
• Frank Sherrill: a former American soccer player who played professionally in the United Soccer League
• Philip Sherrill: a former American politician who previously served in the Senate of North Carolina
• Grant Sherrill: an American actor and voiceover artist

Other surnames

SherrickSherrinSherringSherritSherritt