History and Significance of the Surname Sherril

Introduction

The surname Sherril is a relatively uncommon surname that can be traced back to multiple countries around the world. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the origins, meanings, and variations of the surname Sherril. We will also delve into the distribution of the surname in various countries and analyze its prevalence.

Origins and Meaning

The surname Sherril has its roots in various countries, including the United States, South Africa, Liberia, Canada, the Dominican Republic, India, New Zealand, and the Philippines. The surname is believed to have originated from different sources in each of these countries, leading to variations in its meaning and significance.

United States

In the United States, the surname Sherril is derived from the Middle English personal name "Sheril." This name is a variant of the name "Shirley," which means "bright meadow" or "clearing in the woods." The surname Sherril is most commonly found in the southern states of the U.S., such as Georgia, Texas, and Alabama.

South Africa

In South Africa, the surname Sherril is believed to have been brought by British settlers during the colonial period. The name may have originated from the Old English word "scir," meaning "bright" or "clear," and the Old French word "wiel," meaning "water" or "stream." The surname Sherril is most prevalent in the provinces of Gauteng and Western Cape.

Liberia

The surname Sherril is rare in Liberia, with only a few individuals bearing this surname in the country. It is possible that the name was introduced by descendants of freed American slaves who settled in Liberia in the 19th century. The meaning of the surname Sherril in Liberia is not well-documented.

Canada

In Canada, the surname Sherril is of English origin and is believed to have been brought by early British and Scottish immigrants. The name may have been derived from the Old English word "scir," meaning "bright" or "clear." The surname Sherril is found in various provinces across Canada, including Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta.

Dominican Republic

In the Dominican Republic, the surname Sherril is rare, with only a small number of individuals carrying this surname. It is possible that the name was introduced by American expatriates or tourists who settled in the country. The meaning of the surname Sherril in the Dominican Republic is not well-documented.

India

Although the surname Sherril is rare in India, it is believed to have been adopted by individuals of Anglo-Indian or British descent. The name may have originated from the Old English word "scir," meaning "bright" or "clear." The surname Sherril is most commonly found in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

New Zealand

In New Zealand, the surname Sherril is relatively uncommon, with only a few individuals bearing this surname. It is possible that the name was brought by British settlers during the colonial period. The meaning of the surname Sherril in New Zealand is not well-documented.

Philippines

In the Philippines, the surname Sherril is rare, with only a small number of individuals carrying this surname. It is possible that the name was introduced by American or British expatriates who settled in the country. The meaning of the surname Sherril in the Philippines is not well-documented.

Distribution and Incidence

The distribution of the surname Sherril varies significantly from country to country. According to available data, the incidence of the surname Sherril is highest in the United States, followed by South Africa. The surname is relatively rare in countries such as Liberia, Canada, the Dominican Republic, India, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

United States

In the United States, the surname Sherril has an incidence of 130, making it relatively common among surnames. The states with the highest concentration of individuals with the surname Sherril include Georgia, Texas, and Alabama.

South Africa

In South Africa, the surname Sherril has an incidence of 79, making it moderately common among surnames. The provinces with the highest concentration of individuals with the surname Sherril include Gauteng and Western Cape.

Liberia

In Liberia, the incidence of the surname Sherril is only 2, making it rare among surnames in the country. The surname is found predominantly in the capital city of Monrovia.

Canada

In Canada, the incidence of the surname Sherril is 1, making it extremely rare among surnames in the country. The surname is found in various provinces across Canada, with no specific concentration in any one region.

Dominican Republic

In the Dominican Republic, the incidence of the surname Sherril is 1, making it rare among surnames in the country. The surname is found in urban centers such as Santo Domingo and Santiago.

India

In India, the incidence of the surname Sherril is 1, making it rare among surnames in the country. The surname is found primarily in the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

New Zealand

In New Zealand, the incidence of the surname Sherril is 1, making it rare among surnames in the country. The surname is found in various regions across the North and South Islands.

Philippines

In the Philippines, the incidence of the surname Sherril is 1, making it rare among surnames in the country. The surname is found in urban centers such as Manila and Cebu City.