Thurl

♂ Boy

Pronounced THURL /ˈθɜːrl/Low

Meaning: Thurl reads as a short given-name form of the surname Thurlow, which has Old Norse roots and is generally linked to the god Thor together with an element for a mound or hill. It carries an old, sturdy northern character.Low

In 30 seconds: Thurl is a given name from the surname Thurlow, of Old Norse origin (said THURL). It saw light use in the early twentieth century.

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Origin LowOld Norse, English

MeaningThurl reads as a short given-name form of the surname Thurlow, which has Old Norse roots and is generally linked to the god Thor together with an element for a mound or hill. It carries an old, sturdy northern character.

U.S. rank (1967)#4493 ↘ Falling

1967 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1924

Total births (all-time)≈ 295

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Thurl is an uncommon given name drawn from the surname Thurlow, whose Old Norse roots are usually traced to the god Thor and a word for a low hill or mound. The single-syllable clip gives it a blunt, memorable sound. It was used lightly in the early twentieth century, most familiar today through the bass singer Thurl Ravenscroft.

Thurl was never a common name. It appeared in United States records only in small numbers, given to fewer than twenty boys a year at its peak in the early twentieth century.

Did you know? The Thur- in Thurl echoes Thor, the Norse thunder god behind many old northern names.

Overall data confidence 30%

References - Thurl — Given form of surname Thurlow; Old Norse.

Variations

ThurlowThurleThurlo

Nicknames

ThurThurly

Famous Bearers

★Thurl Ravenscroft (1914-2005)
American voice actor and bass singer, long the voice of the cereal mascot Tony the Tiger.

If you like Thurl…

Thurlow— the surname Thurl shortens

Thurman— a like Thur- Old Norse name

Merle— a similar short vintage boy's name

Hearl— shares Thurl's English roots

Shirl— a similarly popular pick

Explore names like Thurl

By themerare vintage old-norse surname

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Thurl mean?

It is a given name from the surname Thurlow, of Old Norse origin, linked to Thor and a hill.

How do you pronounce Thurl?

It is said THURL /ˈθɜːrl/, one syllable.

Is Thurl a boy or girl name?

Thurl is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Thurl?

It has always been rare in the United States, given to only about twenty boys a year at its peak in the early twentieth century.