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Last Name Teeter

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What is the origin of the last name Teeter?

The surname Teeter is of English origin and is a topographical name for someone who lived by a sloping or uneven place. It comes from the Middle English "teetor," which means a slope or a bank. This name could have been used to identify someone who resided near such a location or perhaps owned land with such features.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Teeter

The meaning and origin of the last name Teeter

The surname Teeter is an English-origin name that is believed to have originated from Old English roots. It is thought to be derived from a nickname or occupational name for someone who was a watchman or guard, as the word "teoter" in Old English meant 'to look out.' Alternatively, it could also come from the Middle English word "teet," meaning 'a nipple,' suggesting that the surname may have been used as a nickname for someone with a prominent breast or nipple shape. Another possible origin is from the Middle Dutch word "deute" which means 'to tread' and could refer to a job related to walking, such as a messenger or traveler. Over time, various spelling variations of this surname have emerged due to changes in pronunciation and transliteration over the centuries, including Teater, Tieter, and Teter.

Geographical distribution of the last name Teeter

The surname Teeter is predominantly found in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada. In the U.S., it is most concentrated in states such as Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Michigan, and Kentucky, reflecting its historical origins from early English and German settlers. In Canada, it is more prevalent in Ontario and Quebec, likely due to migration patterns from the United States. The name has also been found in smaller numbers in other parts of the world, such as England, Australia, and New Zealand, but these occurrences are significantly less frequent compared to North America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Teeter

The surname Teeter has several variations and spellings, some of which include: Tieter, Teitler, Tyter, Tiater, Teetor, Teitur, and Tietelman. These variants may arise from the original spelling being misspelled or altered over time due to regional dialects, transcription errors, or intentional changes for personal reasons. In genealogical research, it is essential to consider these variations when searching for ancestors or family members with this surname.

Famous people with the last name Teeter

Notable individuals with the surname Teeter include:

1. William "Bill" Teeter (born 1934), an American professional basketball player who played for the Chicago Packers in the American Basketball League. He was later drafted by the Boston Celtics but did not play for them, instead opting to join the Harlem Globetrotters.

2. Tom Teeter (born 1968), an American former professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals and Seattle Mariners. He is best known for his stint with the Seattle Mariners, where he won a World Series championship in 1995.

3. Richard Teeter (born 1940), an American former professional football player who played as a running back for the Baltimore Colts and Detroit Lions. He was selected by the Baltimore Colts in the fourth round of the 1962 NFL Draft.

4. Bob Teeter (1937-2017), an American politician who served as a U.S. Senator from Missouri from 1969 to 1981. He was a member of the Democratic Party and chaired the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry from 1975 to 1980.

Genealogical research on the last name Teeter

The Teeter surname is primarily of English origin, derived from various places named Tetter or Teater, found in counties such as Yorkshire and Durham. The earliest record of this name can be traced back to the late Middle Ages, with the first known individual bearing the name being Robert de Tetre, mentioned in the Hundred Rolls of 1273. Throughout history, the Teeter family has been associated with various professions, including farming, masonry, and blacksmithing. Notable individuals with the surname include George Teater, a prominent American pioneer, and John Teeter, an early settler in Pennsylvania. The distribution of the Teeter name is predominantly found in the United States, particularly in states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky, due to migrations during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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NomOrigine Team

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.

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