The surname McKerrell, possibly of Irish² or Norman origin, has its roots in Scottish heritage and history, with its origins dating back several centuries. Here is a chronological overview of its origin and variations:

History	Variations3 Geo-Locations4
Early Origins: The true origins of the name McKerrell are shrouded in the ‘Mists of Time’ Research suggests two possible origins – Irish or Norman. The first suggestion is that McKerrell is possibly of Gaelic origin, derived from “Mac Fhearghail5,” which means “son of Fearghal.” The Gaelic personal name “Fearghal” combines the elements “fear,” meaning “man,” and “gal,” meaning “valor” or “bravery.” Alternatively, the family name is of French and Flemish origin.   Paterson in ‘History of the County of Ayr‘ suggests   “The McKerrells have flourished from a remote period in the shire of Ayr”.   The name Kiriell and Kyriell appears on the ‘Battle Abbey Roll’6 7 as variants of the French name Criol, a commemorative list of the companions of William the Conqueror.   The ‘Battle Abbey Roll with some Account of the Norman Lineages’ by the Duchess of Cleveland suggests the family may be of Norman descent.   Indeed, the de Criol (or de Crioll) family originated from the town of Criol8 (modern-day Créon) near EU in Normandy, France where the family held estates. The first recorded instances of the McKerrell name can be traced back to the medieval period in Scotland.	Mac Fhearghail Mag Fhearghail Mac Fhearghaile Mac Cearbhaill Fearghal (Ireland (Northern Ireland / Eire) Criol (Normandy)
11th Century Lochlan Ua Cairhill, King of Ulster was killed in battle and his decendants came to Scotland and established there. His descendants settled spreading in Kirkudbrightshire, Wigtonshire and Ayrshire. The Irish ‘Ua’ became the Scottish ‘Mac‘ both meaning ‘Son of …’.  The name Kiriell and Kyriell first appears on the ‘Battle Abbey Roll’ as variants of the French name Criol, a commemorative list of the companions of William the Conqueror.	Mac Cairhill Mac Maccharil Carlitoun Carleton (Scotland) Criol Kirel Kiriel Kyriell (Normandy)
14th to 15th Century: During this time, the name started to appear in a number of historical records and documents. Variations of the name began to emerge as it was written down phonetically in different ways due to varying dialects and levels of literacy.	Makirel (Scotland) Carlton Crail (Galloway Scotland, USA, Canada, England)
16th Century: By the 1500s, the name McKerrell and its variants were established in Scottish records. Variations such as MacKerrell, MacKerell, McKerell, and MacKerrel were commonly seen.	MacKerrell MacKerell McKerell MacKerrel McKerrell (Scotland)
17th to 18th Century: The name continued to evolve, with further variations like MacKerlie, MacKerlie, and McKerlie appearing. These changes were often due to the Anglicization of Gaelic names, which was common during this period as English influence grew in Scotland. Migration also played a role in the spread and variation of the name as families moved to other parts of Britain and beyond.	MacKerlie MacKerlie McKerlie (Scotland,USA, Canada) Carroll M’Carroll M’Carrell McGarroll M’Harroll (USA, Ireland, England)
19th Century: In the 1800s, the name had spread further, and new variations like McCarroll and MacCarroll began to appear, particularly among emigrant communities in North America and other parts of the British Empire. 20th Century to Present: Today, the surname McKerrell and its variants are found globally	McCarroll MacCarroll McGarrell (Ireland, USA, Canada) Carel (USA, France, Germany) Mackerill / Makrill (England, Sweden, Finland) Mackerill / Makrill in (England, USA, Australia)
20th Century to Present: Today, the surname McKerrell and its variants are found globally. Charles McKerrell 15th Head of the Name lives in Lochmaben.	Mac ‘Carrell MKerrell (Scotland) MacCarrell (USA, Ireland) MacKerrell MacKerrall (Scotland, England, USA) MacCarroll MacKarroll (USA, Wales, Canada) Mackerel (England, USA, France Mackrell England, USA, Australia)