Surname Surl - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'S'
Surl: What does the surname Surl mean?
The last name Surl is an English name, likely originating in the county of Sussex. It is believed to be of Anglo-Saxon origin and derived from the Old English name Searle, meaning “lord of the harrow”. It could also have derived from the Old Norse personal name Sarl, meaning “watchman”.
The name likely originated as a nickname for someone who was a lord or a harrowman. In some cases, it could have denoted someone who was a watchman for a local lord or ruler. It is thought to have been used as a patronymic surname, meaning that bearers of the name took their name from their father, or other ancestor.
In the Middle Ages, most names began to take on a more fixed form, and surnames were developed to distinguish one person from another. This is the likely case with the surname Surl. By the 19th century, the name had become much more widespread, with records showing many instances of its use in Sussex, Surrey, and London.
The name has also been spelled in various ways over the years, including Surle, Surll, Surlls, Syrle, Sirl, Sirls, and other variants. The name is still in use today, and remains a popular surname throughout England and the United States.
Order DNA origin analysisSurl: Where does the name Surl come from?
The last name Surl is most common today in the United Kingdom and other parts of the British Isles. The name is believed to originate from Southern England, where it was first recorded in the counties of Kent and Hampshire in medieval times. The name is said to have descended from the Old English personal name 'Searle' which is thought to have developed from the Old Norse given name 'Sigur' or 'Sigurl'.
In the early modern period, the name appears to have gradually spread to Wales and Scotland. In Scotland, a powerful family of the same surname held the lordship of Luss from the 12th century until the early 20th century. This clan was prominent in many areas of Scottish life, particularly the military, and the name can be found in other parts of Scotland today.
The name is also commonly found across Ireland, particularly in areas with connections to the British Isles. For example, the records of the Landed Gentry of Ireland suggest that a branch of the Surl family which settled in County Cork in 1660, becoming very prominent in local gentry circles.
The name can also be found in countries such as Canada, Australia, and the United States which have close links to the British Isles, as people bearing the surname left the countries of origin to seek work and a better life abroad.
Variations of the surname Surl
The surname Surl is a variant of the given name Surly, ultimately derived from the Old English given name Æðelred, meaning “noble counsel”. Over time, the spelling of the name has changed, and various spellings of the surname exist.
The most common variants of the surname Surl include Surley, Surly, Sorley, and Sorrell. These spellings are derived primarily from the phonetic spelling of the original given name. Variations in spelling are often created by the whims of a particular clerk who is tasked with writing out an individual’s name. In some cases, this could be at the time of a baptism or marriage, or even in the recording of an official document.
In the United States, the surname Surl is most common in southern states such as Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. The name is thought to have originated from early Irish settlers who migrated to American colonies in search of a better life. Over time, some variations of the surname may have been adopted from other ethnic influences as more people of different backgrounds settled in the area.
The surname Surl is also found in other countries, as it has spread through migration and emigration to many other places. Variations of the name may be found in countries like Ireland, England and Scotland. Other related surnames include Searles, Searls, and Searls.
Overall, the surname Surl is a variation of other surnames of the same origin, and is found in various forms in many countries around the world.
Famous people with the name Surl
- Ace Surl: English actor known for his roles in movies including Wide Blue Yonder (2001), The Detective (2006), and StreetDance 2 (2012).
- Jonathan Surl: English actor known for his roles in films such as Munich (2005), Sense and Sensibility (2008) and Push (2009).
- Gareth Surl: English actor known for his roles in films and TV series, including Primordia (2005) and The Good Life (2007).
- Pete Surl: English actor known for his work on various television shows, such as Glam Metal Detectives (1993), The Bill (1995-2009), and Coronation Street (1995-1996).
- David Surl: English entertainer and author known for his roles in documentaries such as River Deep: A Story of Competitive Canoeing (2009) and Adventures in Lyme Bay (2008).
- Matt Surl: English rock vocalist for the band Opera Wire, and a playwright and author of plays such as A Jumble of Jittery Jitterbugs (2008).
- Rowena Surl: English writer, best known for her novel series The Queen of Swords (2008-2014).
- Douglas Surl: English actor, known for his work in stage productions and television shows such as Casualty (2006) and EastEnders (2009-2010).
- Freya Surl: English actress known for her roles in films such as The Time Machine (2002) and The Mummy Returns (2001).
- Neil Surl: English actor known for his roles in films such as British Gangster (2000) and The Descent: Part 2 (2009).