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Website Edited by G.Lee
Hearl
This Page Last Updated
Saturday November 15, 2008 05:08 PM -0500
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Have
you wondered where "Harrell" and other variations of the name originated? Should
you refer to books of name origins you will find several theories as to how the
name came to be, some are rational, while others are not, you be the judge!
 Some
writers relate the name to a place in Normandy named Harel, while others suppose
it developed from Saxton words 'here' and 'weald' which supposedly mean 'army-power'..Herrell
is a name which was recorded in England long before William The Conqueror invaded
England in 1066, killing King Harold at the Battle of Hastings. (right, The Oseberg Ship)
This brings us
to Norsemen and the Vikings, many of whom were related to the Harrald Families of
Norway and Denmark. Having researched into the history and old sagas of these
families, I am of the opinion that the name probably originated among the Norsemen
of Northern Europe.. It was in use by 700 A.D. and came into prominence when
Fairhair Harrald subdued all the other Chieftains in Norway and proclaimed himself
King of that country. He ruled from about 872 to 935 when his son Erik Bloodax
Harraldson became King.. Erik left Norway when challenged by the youngest son of
Fairhair Harrald, Hakon Harraldson, who had been reared in the house of the King
of England.. Descendents of Fairhair Harrald traveled far and wide and many Sagas
were written about them and their exploits.. Whether the Harrells, Harrolds,
Herrells etc. in America are descended from these early bearers of the name can
probably be proven only by genetic testing.. So all we can do is read the old
Sagas and Wonder!!?
Note: The ship pictured above is the Oseberg Ship believed to be a pleasure
boat owned by Asa, grandmother of Fairhair Harrald. .It was found in a burial
mound and restored. It is seventy feet long.... GLH
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