Show ContentsTorrbourn History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Torrbourn is a name of Anglo-Saxon origin and came from the baptismal name for the son of Thurburn. This ancient personal name was originally derived from the name of the Saxon God of Thunder, Thor. After the Norman Conquest, the Old English naming system gradually dissolved. Old English names became less common and were replaced by popular continental European names. The earliest surnames in England were found shortly after the Norman Conquest and are of Norman French rather than native English origins.

Early Origins of the Torrbourn family

The surname Torrbourn was first found in Norfolk where Thomas filius Thurbernus (Turberni) was listed 1153-1186. A few years later, Richard Turbern was listed in the Feet of Fines in 1198 and later, Richard Thurubern was listed at Ely in Norfolk in 1277. The name may have been listed in the Domesday Book as Thurbernus, Turbern and Torbern, 1 but it from the Norfolk branch that seems the most prevalent in these early years. Spellings widely varied as we found: Thurbarnus filius Ailiue in the Feet of Fines for Suffolk in 1197; Richard Turbern in the Feet of Fines for Norfolk in 1198; William Thurbern in the Assize Rolls for Warwickshire in 1221; and Richard Thurubern at Ely, Norfolk in 1277. 1

In Sussex, the name claims descendancy from Thunder (Thor) or Thunder's Hill at Chittingly. Thor was the name of the ancient Saxon God of Thunder.

As to underscore the wide use on the name by the 13th century, the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 included: William Thorebern, Oxfordshire; Richard Thorbarn, Oxfordshire; Dominus Thurbern, Suffolk; and Nicholas Thurbern, Wiltshire. 2 In Somerset, Philip Thorbarn was listed there 1 Edward III (during the first year of the reign of King Edward III.) 3

Early History of the Torrbourn family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Torrbourn research. Another 49 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1197, 1273, 1327, 1607, 1656, 1659 and 1688 are included under the topic Early Torrbourn History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Torrbourn Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Torrbourn have been found, including Thorburn, Thurburn, Thurbrand, Torburn and others.

Early Notables of the Torrbourn family

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

Migration of the Torrbourn family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Among the first immigrants of the name Torrbourn, or a variant listed above to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were : William Thorburn arrived in Virginia in 1716.



  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  3. Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.


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