Turing is a surname that has evolved into a given name, and it is most famously associated with the British mathematician, computer scientist, and cryptanalyst Alan Turing.
Alan Mathison Turing was born on June 23, 1912, in London, England. Although he was known by his last name Turing, his full birth name was Alan M. Turing, with the "M" standing for his middle name, Morrison. The surname Turing is an Anglo-Saxon name that originated from Northumbria, a region in northern England, and it means "farmer" or "tiller of the soil."
In Turing's case, the surname was passed down through his paternal ancestors. His grandfather Thomas John Wesley Turing was a civil engineer who worked on various projects such as water supply systems and bridges in London during the late 19th century. Alan Turing carried on the family name and made significant contributions to mathematics, computer science, artificial intelligence, and cryptography that have had a profound impact on modern society.
As a given name, Turing is relatively rare but has been increasingly used as a tribute to Alan Turing's achievements in science and technology. It is predominantly found among parents who wish to honor his legacy or those with a personal connection to the subject of computing or mathematics.
Learn more about the origin of the name Turing
The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Turing
The name Turing is derived from a surname that originated in England. It was originally a topographic name for someone who lived by a mill on a stream or river, from Old English tur (mill) and ing (inga's river). However, it gained prominence as a given name due to the renowned British mathematician, computer scientist, and cryptanalyst Alan Turing. Born in 1912, Turing is best known for his work on codebreaking at Bletchley Park during World War II, and for his theoretical work on computing and artificial intelligence, including the concept of a "Turing machine," which is fundamental to the theory of computation. Posthumously, he has been honored for his groundbreaking contributions to computer science and mathematics.
Character traits associated with the name Turing
Turing, a name often associated with brilliance and innovation, is typically linked to individuals displaying a profound intellectual curiosity and a keen interest in mathematics and computing. These individuals are known for their analytical minds, inventiveness, and problem-solving abilities. They often demonstrate a strong dedication to their work, frequently exhibiting perseverance in the face of challenging obstacles. Turing personalities are also known for their pioneering spirit, pushing boundaries and questioning the status quo in an effort to advance knowledge and technology. Additionally, they may show a certain degree of eccentricity, reflecting their unique perspectives on the world and their non-conformist approach to problem-solving.
Popularity of the name Turing
The given name Turing is of British origin and holds a significant place in the naming world due to its association with Alan Turing, a prominent mathematician, computer scientist, and cryptanalyst who played a crucial role in developing early computing machinery and cracking German codes during World War II. As such, the name has gained recognition and popularity among individuals appreciative of his groundbreaking work. However, it is not as commonly used as more traditional names, with its usage varying significantly across different regions and cultural backgrounds. Nonetheless, its unique historical connection adds a distinctive character to those bearing this uncommon yet meaningful moniker.
Famous people with the name Turing
Alan Turing, born in 1912, is the most renowned individual with the first name Turing. He was an English mathematician, computer scientist, logician, and cryptanalyst who made significant contributions to the development of modern computing. During World War II, he played a key role in breaking the German Enigma codes by designing the Bombe machine, which significantly shortened the time needed to decipher encrypted messages. After the war, Turing proposed the concept of a 'universal machine', which formed the basis for the development of modern computers. In 1950, he developed the Turing test as a measure of artificial intelligence (AI). Unfortunately, Turing was prosecuted for homosexuality and chose chemical castration to avoid imprisonment. Despite these hardships, his pioneering work in computer science and AI continues to influence the field today.
Variations of the name Turing
Turing is a unisex given name that originated as a surname and is most notably associated with British mathematician, computer scientist, and cryptanalyst Alan Turing. In recent years, it has gained popularity as a first name for both males and females.
Variations of the male form of Turing include Turin, Turling, Torring, and Toring. These variations may be derived from different regional pronunciations or spellings of the original surname. For instance, Turin is often associated with Italian localities, while Torring could potentially be a Danish or Norwegian variation.
For females, the name Turing can be used as-is, but it may also be combined with feminine suffixes such as -ia, -ette, -ina, or -y to create names like Turia, Turingette, Turingina, and Turingy. These variants help to differentiate between male and female bearers of the name while still retaining its original roots.
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated :
Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends
The name Turan is of Persian origin, meaning "of the mountains" or "victorious" in ancient Iranian languages. The name Stevo is of Slavic origin, derived from the name Stefan, mean...
The name "Turp" has English origins. It is a surname that originally referred to a person who was a Turpie, meaning someone from Turpie in Fife, Scotland. The name is derived from ...
The name Turpal originates from the Turkic language and is of Caucasian origin. It is a common name among the Balkar and Karachay ethnic groups in the Caucasus region.
The origin of the surname Turpin is French. It comes from a place named Thouars in Poitou region (now Vienne), France. This name was originally a toponymic name for someone who liv...
The name Turquetil is believed to have originated from the Old French surname "Turquet", which was derived from the Old Norse "Torgati" or "Thorgautr". This Old Norse name is a com...
The first name "Turquier" does not have a widely recognized origin or meaning. It is possible that it is a unique or rare name that may have been created or adapted by an individua...
The origin of the first name "Tursava" is not clear as it is not a common or well-known name. It does not appear to have a specific origin or meaning in English.
There is no information available on the origin of the first name "Turtlementins." It does not appear to have a known or documented origin in the English language.
The name Turya does not have a widely recognized origin or meaning in English. It is possible that it could be a variation or derivative of a name from a different language or cult...
The name "Turya" is of Indian origin, sometimes used as a Sanskrit name meaning "fourth state of consciousness" or "transcendental state". The name "Jade" is of Spanish and English...
