Turnbell History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland
Ireland

According to family tradition, the Turnbell surname comes from when a member of the Rule family saved the life of King Robert the Bruce at Stirling Park from a charging bull by turning the bull's head. The grateful King decreed that in commemoration of the brave act the new name of the family would be Turnbull, and granted them an area of land then known as Bedrule. Other Etymology suggests that the name comes from the Old English Trumbald, meaning "strongly bold."

Early Origins of the Turnbell family

The surname Turnbell was first found in Roxburghshire where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Scotland to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the Turnbell family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Turnbell research. Another 272 words (19 lines of text) covering the years 1214, 1249, 1296, 1335, 1447, 1635, 1639, 1716 and are included under the topic Early Turnbell History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Turnbell Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Turnbull, Turnball, Trimble, Trimbell, Trumbell, Trumbill, Turnbul and many more.

Early Notables of the Turnbell family (pre 1700)

Another 48 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Turnbell Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Turnbell family to Ireland

Some of the Turnbell family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 74 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Turnbell family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Thomas and William Turnbull settled in New Jersey in 1685; John Turnbull settled in Annapolis, Maryland in 1753; William Turnbull settled in Bonavista, Newfoundland in 1765.