Show ContentsSherrell History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Sherrell was brought to England in the great wave of migration following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Sherrell family lived in Cornwall. Their name, however, is a reference to Serlo, Normandy, the family's place of residence prior to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. However, may of the family remained in Normandy as seen by Robert Sorel who was listed there (1180-1195.) [1]

Early Origins of the Sherrell family

The surname Sherrell was first found in Cornwall where the name can be found from ancient times as both a surname and a forename. Sarlo Iuuenis was one of the first on record in 1091-1093. [2]

"Thankes or Thancks, a delightful residence in the [parish of Antony in East, Cornwall] is situated near Torpoint, on the margin of the Hamoaze. This place originally took its name from a family called Thomke, who resided on it, and to whom it was enfranchised in the reign of Henry V. From the Thonke family it passed to the Searles, and from the Searles it was conveyed to the Warne family." [3]

In the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273, the name continues to be found in both ways: Sarle Tinctor in Huntingdonshire and Matilda Sarle in Cambridgeshire. [4]

There is a history of an association with clergy as shown by Robert Saryll, clericus in 1412 in Yorkshire, and few years later in the same area Thomas Serle, capallanus, filius Roberti Sarle, clerici in 1438. [2]

One would presume that these latter two listings were father and son who both followed the same profession.

Early History of the Sherrell family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Sherrell research. Another 76 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1620, 1656, 1659, 1683, 1777, 1789, 1796, 1797, 1798, 1799, 1800, 1802 and 1849 are included under the topic Early Sherrell History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Sherrell Spelling Variations

Norman surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. The frequent changes in surnames are largely due to the fact that the Old and Middle English languages lacked definite spelling rules. The introduction of Norman French to England, as well as the official court languages of Latin and French, also had pronounced influences on the spelling of surnames. Since medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, rather than adhering to any specific spelling rules, it was common to find the same individual referred to with different spellings. The name has been spelled Searle, Searles, Searl, Sarl, Sarrell, Serrell and others.

Early Notables of the Sherrell family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Anthony Searle of Thanks at the time of King Richard III; and Samuel Serle (1620-1683), an English politician, Member of Parliament for Honiton (1656-1659.)Thomas Searle (1777-1849), was a British rear-admiral, "son of James Searle of Staddlescombe, Devonshire, was born on 29 May 1777. He entered the navy in November 1789, served on the Mediterranean, home, and Newfoundland stations, and in 1796 was in the Royal George, flagship of Lord Bridport, by whose interest he was made lieutenant, on 19 Aug., to...
Another 89 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Sherrell Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Sherrell Ranking

In the United States, the name Sherrell is the 8,883rd most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. [5]

Ireland Migration of the Sherrell family to Ireland

Some of the Sherrell family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Australia Sherrell migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Sherrell Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • William Sherrell, aged 22, who arrived in South Australia in 1849 aboard the ship "Harry Lorrequer" [6]
  • William Sherrell, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Harry Lorrequer" in 1849 [6]

Contemporary Notables of the name Sherrell (post 1700) +

  • "Sweet" Charles Sherrell (1943-2023), born Charles Emanuel Sherrell, an American bassist known for recording and performing with James Brown
  • Frederick W. Sherrell, American surveyor and geologist, eponym of Sherrell Point, Antarctica
  • "Sweet" Charles Emanuel Sherrell (b. 1943), American bassist, best known for his work with James Brown


  1. The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
  2. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  3. Hutchins, Fortescue, The History of Cornwall, from the Earliest Records and Traditions to the Present Time. London: William Penaluna, 1824. Print
  4. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  5. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  6. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) HARRY LORREQUER 1849. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1849HarryLorrequer.htm


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