Robert Searle, 1636

Came to America 1662

This name was derived from the Old English word SEARU, meaning a warrior, one who was a man of arms, a knight or soldier. Occupational surnames originally denoted the actual occupation followed by the individual. At what period they became hereditary is a difficult problem. Many of the occupation names were descriptive and could be varied. In the Middle Ages, at least among the Christian population, people did not usually pursue specialized occupations exclusively to the extent that we do today, and they would, in fact, turn their hand to any form of work that needed to be done, particularly in a large house or mansion, or on farms and smallholdings. In early documents, surnames often refer to the actual holder of an office, whether the church or state. The earliest of the name on record appears to be Serlo (without surname) who was listed as a tenant-in-chief in the Domesday Book of 1086. Many of the early names recorded in medieval documents denote noble families but many also indicate migration from the continent during, and in the wake of, the Norman invasion of 1066. There was a constant stream of merchants, workmen and others arriving in England during this time. In 1086 the Record of Great Inquisition of lands of England, their extent, value, ownership and liabilities was made by order of William The Conquerer. It is known as the Domesday book. Serlo le Flemyng of London was documented in 1150, and Adam Hugo Serle of County Essex appears in 1266. Thomas Serle of County Somerset, was documented during the reign of Edward III (1327-1377). William Serell of Yorkshire, was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379, and Robert Serlys of Hereford, registered at Oxford University in the year 1512. Following the Crusades in Europe, a need was felt for an additional name. This was recognized by those of noble birth, who realized that it added prestige and practical advantage to their status. The associated coat of arms is recorded in Sir Bernard Burkes General Armory. Ulster King of Arms in 1884. Registered in London, Plymouth and County Devon. WGA