Thayyil

Thayyil is a family name in Kannur district of Kerala state, south India. With growing urbanisation, this village is now within city limits.

Thayyil is actually a Tharavad in Thalikave ward Kannur and is an ancient Thiyya Tharavad. It is a Thiyya aristocratic family name and has its origin in a Nair royal lady (one of two sisters, related to a Nair family, who had to flee Vadakara due to riots that broke out there), who wedded one of the Valli Karanavar of the Thayyil family. The other sister married into the Arakkal family, becoming a Muslim.

The Thayyil family is more than 900 years old and has an ancient lineage. Its branches are spread far and wide and those interested could trace its genealogy with one of the direct descending families living in Govinda Sadanam, Thalikave Road, Kannur. This family is also related to Onden Tharavad, Koroth Thravad, Vengilat, Palliyath etc.which are also Thiyya Tharavads.

The family is also closely associated with Lord Muthappan of Parassini kadavu, through his grace and blessing. Tradition requires that the Annual Festival ('Ulsavam') of the Muthappan Temple at Parassinikkadavu is to be started by a procession led by a male member of the "Thayyil" clan of Thayyil, Kannur from the family home to the main altar of the temple, where he offers a 'Pooja' (prayer) to the God.