Map of England showing where the Terrell arms are recorded
The Terrell arms were recorded in Hertford, c. 1620.
Hertfordshire lay just north of London and filled with families who had made money in the City. Buying an estate within a day's ride was the usual next step, and an estate brought arms with it.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Terrell arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Hertford.
Origin & History of the Terrell Family in England
The family name Terrell has deep roots that trace back to the early seventeenth century in England. By 1620, records confirm that members of the family were established in the town of Hertford, located in the county of Hertfordshire. During this era, the name was often spelled in various ways, such as Tyrrell or Tirrell, which was common before spelling became standardized. These early family members were part of a society transitioning through significant social and economic changes. Many people with this surname were involved in local trades or agricultural life, which allowed them to build stable foundations within their communities. As the seventeenth century progressed, some members of the family chose to seek new opportunities abroad, carrying the name across the Atlantic to the American colonies. This migration helped the name spread from its English origins to become a part of the history of the New World.
Terrell Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Tirel
Derived from the Old French word for a stubborn or headstrong person.
This name
TerrellA surname originating from a nickname for someone with a stubborn or obstinate personality.
also spelled
Tyrrell
Tyrell
Related arms
Tyrellvariant spelling
Tyrrellvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Cussans, John Edwin. History of Hertfordshire. 1870
Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies. Hertford St Andrew Parish Registers. 1600–1650
Reaney, P.H. A Dictionary of British Surnames. 1958
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
