The name Terrill is derived from the Old French word "terrier," which means "earth" or "land." It is believed to have originated as a surname in the 12th or 13th century, likely given to someone who worked the land or lived in a particular region.

In its earliest recorded use as a given name, Terrill appeared in England during the late medieval period. One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name was Terrill de Vere, a minor nobleman who lived in the late 13th century.

During the Renaissance period, the name Terrill gained some popularity among the English gentry. Notable individuals with this name from this era include Terrill Fairfax (1560-1640), an English soldier and member of the Fairfax family of Yorkshire, and Terrill Marbury (1598-1672), an English Puritan minister who emigrated to Massachusetts Bay Colony.

In the 17th century, the name Terrill became more widely used across various social classes in England and its colonies. Terrill Pratt (1638-1715) was a prominent merchant and landowner in Virginia Colony, while Terrill Crispe (1655-1721) was a noted English playwright and satirist.

As the name spread to other parts of the English-speaking world, it gained a foothold in various regions. Terrill Jones (1765-1842) was a Welsh-American soldier who served in the American Revolutionary War, and Terrill Doane (1809-1892) was a prominent American politician and businessman from Massachusetts.

In more recent times, notable individuals with the name Terrill include Terrill E. Litzenberg (1915-2004), an American World War II veteran and recipient of the Medal of Honor, and Terrill L. Boykin (born 1942), an American former professional basketball player and coach.