Gatrell History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The origins of the Gatrell name lie with England's ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It comes from when the family lived in or near the settlement of Catteral, which is located between Preston and Garstang in the county of Lancashire. The Domesday Book of 1086 lists this place as Catrehala. 1

Some experts also suggest that the surname Gatrell may be derived from a pet form of the name Caterin; this is a form of the personal name Catharine which became popular following its importation in the 12th century.

Early Origins of the Gatrell family

The surname Gatrell was first found in Lancashire at Catteral, a township, in the parish and union of Garstang, hundred of Amounderness. "The family of Catteral were in possession of this place for a considerable period; from them it passed by marriage to the Sherburnes, and subsequently came to the Banisters, Winckleys, and others." 2

Early rolls for the family include: Robert de Caterell in the Curia Regis Rolls for Hampshire in 1222; John de Caterhale in the Subsidy Rolls for Lancashire in 1332; Lawrence Cattrall in Yorkshire in 1462; Richard Caterall, a Freeman of York in 1500 and William Katerel in the Assize Rolls for Staffordshire in 1203. 3

The Lay Subsidy Rolls include an entry for Lorade Caterhale, Lancashire, 1332. 4

"The Catteralls, who are now represented in Preston, derive their name from a Lancashire township. Henry Catterall was guild - mayor of Preston in 1602. In the list of Lancashire Roman Catholics registered after the rebellion of 1715 occurs the name of Catterall, a small estate - holder." 5

Early History of the Gatrell family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gatrell research. Another 96 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1562 and 1593 are included under the topic Early Gatrell History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gatrell Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Gatrell were recorded, including Catterall, Caterell, Catterale, Catterell, Caterale, Cathrell, Catheral, Catherey, Kitrell and many more.

Early Notables of the Gatrell family

More information is included under the topic Early Gatrell Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gatrell migration to the United States +

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Gatrell family emigrate to North America:

Gatrell Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Thomas J. Gatrell, aged 35, who arrived in New York in 1896 aboard the ship "Saint Paul" from Southampton, England 6
T. I. Gatrell, aged 36, originally from Southampton, who arrived in New York in 1897 aboard the ship "Saint Louis" from Southampton, England 6
Mary Ann Gatrell, aged 44, originally from Wokingham, who arrived in New York in 1898 aboard the ship "Teutonic" from Liverpool, England 6

Gatrell Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

George Gatrell, aged 35, who arrived in New York in 1920 from Southampton, England 6

Gatrell migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Gatrell Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

William Gatrell, aged 23, a farm labourer, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Rodney" in 1875

Contemporary Notables of the name Gatrell (post 1700) +

Becca Gatrell, American musician, known for Children of Men (2006), Feel Good (2020) and Devs (2020)
Darren Gatrell, American cameraman, known for Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) and Lost in Space (1998)
Homer A. Gatrell, American politician, Mayor of Grafton, West Virginia, 1953 7
John Gatrell (1907-1981), English actor from Lewisham, London, known for BBC Sunday-Night Theatre (1950), The Avengers (1961) and The Newcomers (1965)
Derek Gatrell (b. 1939), English actor from Hammersmith, London, known for A Clockwork Orange (1971), Chariots of Fire (1981) and Yentl (1983)
Rebecca Gatrell, Canadian makeup artist, known for Homes & Lifestyles Canada (2017)
Vic Gatrell, British historian, Liffe Fellow of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge

Citations +

Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.
Ellis Island Search retrieved 15th November 2022. Retrieved from https://heritage.statueofliberty.org/passenger-result
The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, November 3) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html