Surname Thirkill - Meaning and Origin

Thirkill: What does the surname Thirkill mean?

The surname Thirkill, also spelled Thirkell or Thirkill, is of Anglo-Saxon or Old Norse origin. It's a compound of two elements, "thor" or "thorr" meaning 'Thor', the Norse god of thunder, and "ketill" or "kell," signifying 'a cauldron', or metaphorically, 'a helmet'. Another possible interpretation is "Thor’s sacrifice or tribute”. The name was a popular personal name in the pre-Conquest of Britain. Several bearers of the name appear in the Domesday Book of 1086. Thus, Thirkill was likely initially used as a personal name before it became a patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thirkill". Given its roots in Old Norse, it is particularly prevalent in areas historically associated with Viking settlement, like North East England and Yorkshire. It is important to note that, like with many ancient names, the meaning can vary based on differing interpretations of old languages.

Thirkill: Where does the name Thirkill come from?

The last name Thirkill is most commonly associated with England and the United Kingdom. Estimates suggest that between 3,000 and 5,000 people are currently living in the UK with the last name Thirkill. The majority of those with this name are concentrated in London, Yorkshire, and the West Midlands, with some scattered across other parts of England and Wales.

The surname is also common in countries with historical ties to the UK, such as Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. It is also common in parts of the United States (particularly in the south and Midwest) that were settled in the 17th and 18th centuries by those of British descent.

Thirkill is believed to be a English surname, derived from the Old Norse god Thorkell, also known as Thorkild and sometimes spelt as Thirkill. Family records suggest that the name was first used in London in 1605. There is a small village in Yorkshire called Thirkleby, potentially another variant of the name Thirkill which has been used for generations.

Regardless of its origin, the name Thirkill is still used in the UK today. Family searches suggest that there are recognizable branches of the family in modern times, and family reunions have been held in recent years to celebrate the shared heritage.

Variations of the surname Thirkill

The spellings and variants of the surname Thirkill are various. The most common variations are Thurkill, Thirkhill, Thirkil, Thurkhill, Thurkill, Thurkils and Turkel. Other more uncommon spellings may include Shirkill, Thirkill, Thyrkel, Thyrkill, Tyrkill and Turkil.

The surname Thirkill is said to be of Anglo-Saxon origin and is thought to be locative and topographical in nature. It is believed to be derived from the Old English words “thorn” and “cycen”, which combined form “thorn by the wood”. The Thirkill or Thurkill surname was commonly found in East Anglia and the Midlands in England during the Middle Ages. It is believed to have referred to a person who lived or worked near a thorn tree in a wooded area.

The surname Thirkill is also believed to be derived from the Old Danish word “Torkil”, meaning “Thor’s servant or worker”. It is believed that this name was brought to England with the Danish and Norman invasions.

The surnames Thirkeld and Thirkettle are believed to have either derived from or were commonly confused with the Thirkill surname. However, it is believed that these names are of different origins and not necessarily related.

In North America, the spelling of the surname Thirkill is often shortened to “Till”. It is thought that this is a phonetic Anglicised spelling of the name.

Famous people with the name Thirkill

• Jim Thirkill: Retired British professional footballer who was the first British player to play in a World Cup in 1982.
• David Thirkill: Retired British professional cyclist who competed in the 2016 Paralympic Games.
• Lindsay Thirkill: British Olympic gold medalist in 1924 for team field hockey.
• Phillip Thirkill: English Soccer Player who competed in the 1992/93 European Cup Winners’ Cup.
• Lionel Thirkill: Harness racer and horse trainer from Australia.
• Richard Thirkill: British radio presenter, renowned for his Sunday morning show.
• Paul Thirkill: Canadian film director, producer, and writer.
• Adam Thirkill: British sports broadcaster, host of the sports show ‘Saturday Night Fever’.
• Ryan Thirkill: Actor, known for appearances in films such as ‘Eddie the Eagle’ and ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’.
• Lucy Thirkill: British fashion designer, known for her fierce and unique style.

Other surnames

ThirkingtonThirkinton