indicate the level to which a name has been verified.
Type Surname (from given name)
Usage English, English (American), Irish
Meaning & History
Derived from the Old Norse given name Þorkell, derived from the elements þórr (see Thor) and ketill "cauldron". The name evolved into Thurkill and Thirkill in England and came into use as a given name in the Middle Ages. It was directly introduced by Scandinavian settlers in Northern England, but was caused by Norman influence in Southern England. In Ireland, þorkell became the given name Thorcall, paving way to the Irish surnames McCorkle and Corkill.