Sir Andrew Turnbull, head of Britain's civil service (the British Civil Service) and Cabinet Secretary. Ann Turnbull, writer of fiction for children & immature adults. Charles Wesley Turnbull, governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Colin Turnbull, noted anthropologist and author. David Turnbull, Progressive Conservative member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1990 to 2003. Gael Turnbull, Scottish poet who was an important precursor of the British Poetry Revival. Ian Turnbull, New Democratic member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba from 1969 to 1977, and the member of Edward Schreyer's cabinet from 1973 to 1977. James Youll Turnbull, Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross in World War I. Lucy Turnbull, former Lord Mayor of Sydney and is the wife of businessman and fellow politician, Malcolm Turnbull. Malcolm Turnbull, elected to the Australian House of Representatives in October 2004 for the Division of Wentworth, New South Wales, representing the Liberal Party. Sandy Turnbull, Scottish football player who died around World War I. Stephen Turnbull, expert in samurai, and creator of many works on the subject. William Turnbull, influential Bishop of Glasgow Scotland from 1448 to 1454.

A Turnbull River is located on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island.