Surname Thirkeld - Meaning and Origin

Thirkeld: What does the surname Thirkeld mean?

The last name Thirkeld is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is a locational name, meaning it originates from a specific place. In this case, the place is Threlkeld, a small village and civil parish located at the eastern foot of Blencathra, one of the English Lake District's most prominent hills. The name Thirkeld and its variant spellings (Threlkeld, Thirkettle) are derived from the Old Norse words "þrǫll" (troll or ogre) and "kelda" (spring or well). Thus, it roughly translates to “troll’s spring” or "ogre's well." The name likely meant to indicate a place where the water was foul or where there were strange sounds— a place, which in ancient times, people might have thought was inhabited by trolls. As a last name, it would have been used to identify someone originating from that location. Today, it's a relatively rare surname.

Thirkeld: Where does the name Thirkeld come from?

The surname Thirkeld is common today in parts of Europe including Sweden, Ireland, England, the Netherlands, and Germany. In the United States, the name can be found most prominently in Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan, though there are Thirkelds living in other states as well.

Historically, the Thirkeld surname originates from Northern Europe, specifically the United Kingdom. The word itself is a combination of two English words: "Thwric" which means turn and "feld" which means land. It is thought to have been an occupational surname for someone who lived on or near a turn of land such as a bend in a river.

In the mid to late 1800s, the Thirkelds emigrated from the UK to the United States, where many established large farms in Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan. During this time, some families began to settle in other parts of the country, such as California, New York, and Washington.

Today, the last name Thirkeld is found in various parts of the world, though it is most commonly associated with the United States. Thirkelds are still very much involved in farming across the Midwest, and many have gone on to explore new and exciting professional opportunities. Families still keep in touch with one another and even hold reunions from time to time.

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Variations of the surname Thirkeld

The surname Thirkeld is of Germanic origins and is found in some forms throughout Europe and the United States. It is one of the few surnames which can be found cumulatively in England, where it is thought to originate. Variations of the name range from Tirkell and Terkel to Terkelt and Terrykel.

In Ireland, the surname is traditionally spelled Tircheall or Thircill, while in Scotland it is found as Trichell or Tirchiell. In Germany and Netherlands, the name is recorded with various spellings such as Terhil, Terheule and Tervell, while in Sweden it is found as Terkel and Tergelson.

In England, Thirkeld is nearly always spelled as such, although it is also found as Thurkettle and Thurkel. In France, the surname is recorded as Thurkeld, Terkel and Tercelin, while in Poland, it is spelled Tyrkell and Tyrzylla.

In the United States, the most common spelling is Thirkeld, but variations are also present. The surname may appear as Terckel, Tarkill or Terkel, while a few families have historically used the name Turkeld or Thirkett.

Among other surnames of Germanic origin that are related to Thirkeld include Tirk, Turkin, and Turckill.

Famous people with the name Thirkeld

• Rachel Thirkell: British actress who appeared in The Avengers, Minder and Doctor Who.
• George Thirkell: British songwriter who wrote “Glendora” and “Laddie Boy”.
• Sam Thirkell: British keyboardist and composer of musicals who composed the music for the musical version of “The Mask of Zorro”.
• Alexander Thirkell: British actor who has appeared in work such as “War Horse”, “The Forsyte Saga: To Let” and “Tipping the Velvet”.
• Christopher Thirkell: British television presenter who presented shows such as “Top of the Pops” and “This is Your Life”.
• Duncan Thirkell: British actor who is best known for playing the role of Dr. Watson in the British television series “Sherlock”.
• Matilda Thirkell: British interior designer and fashion blogger who runs her own blog called “Living with Thirkell”.
• Sidney Thirkell: British actor who starred in films such as “Rent The Best” and “The Nightwatchman”.
• Matthew Thirkell: British music producer and composer of many hit singles, including “Shine” and “Searchin'”.
• AJ Thirkell: American pop singer and songwriter who had success with his debut album “Glow”.

Other surnames

ThirkengtonThirkenton