The name Terrel is believed to have originated from the Old French word "terrail," which means "earth" or "land." This name likely came into existence during the medieval period in regions where Old French was spoken, such as parts of modern-day France, Belgium, and Switzerland.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Terrel can be found in the 12th century French epic poem "La Chanson de Roland," where a character named Terrel is mentioned. This suggests that the name was in use among French speakers during that time period.

Terrel was also the name of a 13th-century French nobleman, Terrel de Marigny, who served as the Lord Chamberlain of France under King Philip IV. His birth and death years are not precisely known, but he lived during the late 13th and early 14th centuries.

In the 16th century, there was a French Protestant reformer named Terrel de Bèze, who was born in 1519 and died in 1605. He was a prominent figure in the Protestant Reformation and worked closely with John Calvin.

Another notable figure with the name Terrel was Terrel de Terville, a French military officer who lived in the 17th century. He was born in 1618 and died in 1701, and he played a significant role in various military campaigns during the reign of King Louis XIV.

In more recent times, there was an American actor named Terrel Tilford, who was born in 1959. He is best known for his roles in television shows such as "Barney Miller" and "Soul Food."

While the name Terrel has French origins, it has been used in various cultures and regions over the centuries. However, the details provided here focus primarily on its early history and notable individuals who bore this name throughout the centuries.