Surname Searl - Meaning and Origin
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Searl: What does the surname Searl mean?
The surname Searl is of Old French origin and is believed to have derived from the name Sarrel, a diminutive form of the name Sar, meaning a sacred oak. The spelling of the surname may also have been influenced by the Middle English version of this name, Sarrel.
During the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, the surname Searl was brought to the British Isles from France. It is possible that the name was first established in Hockey, a parish in Wiltshire, England, where members of the Searl or Sarrell family were recorded since around 1175.
In terms of its etymology it’s possible that the surname Searl was derived from the Latin word sarus, meaning a swamp, and the Old French word Saretz, an old form of the name Sar which meant a sacred oak. The surname may have been originally used to reference a person who lived near a swamp or a sacred oak tree. It is also possible that the surname derived from an Old French and Old English personal name, such as the personal name Searle which may have been found in records as early as 1230.
Overall, the surname Searl is a unique surname with an interesting history. It has its roots in the Norman Conquest, and its original meaning likely referred to a person with connections to a sacred oak or a swampy area.
Order DNA origin analysisSearl: Where does the name Searl come from?
The last name Searl can be found primarily in the English-speaking world. Specifically, it is more common in England, where it is among the top 1,000 surnames. Searl has a long history in England and has been present in that area since the 12th Century. It was derived from the Anglo-Norman French word "Serlo," which itself came from the Latin word "serulus," meaning "a servant or companion."
It is likely that the original Searls were smallholders, such as tenant farmers, or even knights who held a smaller degree of nobility. During the Middle Ages, Searls were often used as a nickname for people with some sort of service-oriented position, such as a house servant or a farmer. Many Searls can also be found in the United States, particularly in the New England states, as well as in Australia and New Zealand.
Today, many Searls are involved in professions such as engineering, accountancy, or banking. However, Searls can be found in all walks of life, from small business owners to entrepreneurs to professionals in the legal and medical fields. Searls are also active in the world of entertainment, with many actors and musicians bearing the name.
Overall, Searl is an ancient surname, with a long history in the English speaking world. Despite its origins as a commoner's name, it is now found among people of widely varied backgrounds and occupations.
Variations of the surname Searl
The surname Searl has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Searl can be spelled Searles, Searlese, Searlson, Searleson, and Searlesen. It can also be spelled Searls, Searlssen, Searlssons, or Searlsson. Other related spellings include Searlice, Searling, Searlesty, Searlesse, Searliss, Searle, Searlich, Searlough, Searlene, Searlall, Searlus, Searlatt, Searlens, Searlier, Searlop, Searlie, Searlo, Searll, Searlin, Searleman, Searliey, Searleman, Searlino, Searlas, Searlem, and Searleace.
The origin of the surname Searl can be found in the Old English, with "searle" being used as an occupational name for a serf or farmer. A serf was a landless peasant under the feudal system of the medieval period. The word comes from the old English word "searw," which means "laborer." As such, the surname Searl is generally believed to be an occupational surname.
The surname is associated with several places in England, such as Searles in Cambridgeshire, Searlston in Devon, Searlecombe in Cumberland, and Searle in Herefordshire, as well as with variations of the name in Scotland and Ireland.
Searl is an old and distinguished surname with many variations which are derived from its original spelling. Although the surname Searl has been popular for centuries and has many spellings, it is not a particularly common surname. It is thought to be one of the older Anglo-Saxon surnames as Searl was widely used in the area of England at the time of the Anglo-Saxon migration.
Famous people with the name Searl
- Jessie Searl: a renowned singer-songwriter from the United Kingdom who has released several albums.
- Leonard R. Searl: an American artist, he was the lead artist of the cartoon series Looney Tunes.
- Robert Searl: an English stage actor who starred in the musical "Beauty and the Beast".
- Gordon Searl: a British actor who has appeared on the silver screen in numerous films, such as "The Dark Knight Rises" and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows".
- Stephen Searle: a British actor best known for his roles in "St Trinians" and "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest".
- Jeffrey Searl: a British actor best known for his work in the popular series "Downton Abbey".
- Warren Searl: a successful composer of classical music who has earned various awards for his works.
- Marcus Searl: a British actor and playwright who has been featured in various television shows and film adaptations.
- Barry Searl: a British singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who has had numerous hits on the UK charts.
- David Searl: a renowned British artist whose works have been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums throughout the world.