How common is the Turnball surname?

There are approximately 100,000 people with the surname Turnball in the United States.

Are there Turnball soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 8 soldiers with the Turnball surname appear in Civil War records.

Turnball

Q: What does the surname Turnball mean?

The surname Turnball means "Derived from a nickname or occupational term, possibly referring to someone who turns balls or a person of athletic ability.". It is of Scottish or English origin.

Occupational

Meaning

Derived from a nickname or occupational term, possibly referring to someone who turns balls or a person of athletic ability.

Etymology

The name combines 'turn' with 'ball', suggesting either an occupational origin related to ball-making or turning, or a nickname for an athletic person. The exact historical development is debated among etymologists.

About the Turnball Surname

A Scottish or English surname with occupational or nickname origins related to athletic or ball-related activities. The name appears in medieval records from the British Isles.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 100,000 bearers in the United States #391 most common surname

Rare Common

Found in Scotland, England, and English-speaking countries.

Turnball Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

People with the Turnball Surname

Nathaniel Turnball

Quick Facts

Origin: Scottish or English
Classification: Occupational
Earliest Record: Medieval Scotland or England (13th-14th century)
Estimated Bearers: 100,000

War Records

8 soldiers with the Turnball surname found in Civil War records.

Search war records →