This very unusual and ancient surname found in the spellings, Tarn, Tern(e), Turn, Torn(s), etc, is of Olde English pre 7th century origins. It derives from the word 'terne' which describes a small lake or pool, and as such means one who was resident by such a place. The earliest recording (see below) is in the far north of England, and it is in that area and Scotland where the descriptive word is still used. As the surname travelled south it was changed by a combination of poor spelling and local dialects to the various forms now recorded.
In fact it is in London that the coat of arms was granted, the precise date is not known but it is probably circa 1700. The blazon is a blue field, charged with a gold fesse, and in chief three anchors, also gold. This suggests that the holder was a successful mariner or merchant. Examples of the surname recording include Margaret Torn who married Edward Huigson on May 18th 1600, at the church of St Margaret Somerset, London, and Elizabeth, daughter of Edward and Elizabeth Turn, who was christened at the famous church of St Dunstans in the East, Stepney, on October 7th 1660. The plural form as in Thomas Torns, is recorded at All Hallows Church, London Wall, on April 23rd 1702. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Hugo de Tern, which was dated 1332, in the Curia Regis Rolls of Cumberland, during the reign of King Edward 111, known as 'The father of the English navy', 1327 - 1377. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.
The history of the surname turn is, like that of most surnames, a complex and fascinating journey to ancient times with the aim of unraveling the origin of turn. We can try to trace the genealogy of the surname turn, and in addition to the original locations of turn, we can find out where people with the surname turn can currently be found. Adhering to what we know about the way surnames originated, it is possible to offer a realistic explanation of the origins of turn.
It is common for surnames like turn to become known in places far removed from their country or region of origin. Discover which ones. The mobility of people carrying the surname turn has led to its presence in different countries, as you can verify.
The historical journey of the surname turn can be traced back to those who were the first bearers of turn. The history, heraldry, coats of arms, and possible nobility of the surname turn are scattered in documents across various regions and historical periods, so it is necessary to reconstruct a complex puzzle to approach the facts from a realistic perspective. In the following lines, you will find everything we have been able to gather about the surname turn.
You can visit us regularly to get more information about the origin of the surname turn, as we frequently accept significant contributions from other individuals interested in heraldry and the history of surnames. Please note that if you are in a position to provide more data about the surname turn or any other surname and its origin, we would appreciate your collaboration with us by sending us information about the origin of turn.
Unfortunately, it's highly probable that not all turns who performed notable deeds have been included in historical chronicles and records. A surname like turn can connect a person to an illustrious lineage and a distinguished coat of arms. However, it must be kept in mind that it is individual people who, through their lives and actions, bring fame and recognition to their surnames. If you or someone you know bears the surname turn, you could potentially build illustrious lineages through your efforts and virtues.
It goes without saying that consulting bibliographic and documentary sources is essential when accessing information about the origins of the surname turn. We consider it highly advisable to refer to the following sources if you wish to conduct research on the surname turn, as well as many other surnames. Accessing the archives of the town or towns where your ancestors were born and lived is, of course, a good way to trace the origins of turn.
These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of turn, and at the same time, of surnames in general.