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Last Name Tegner

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What is the origin of the last name Tegner?

The surname Tegner is of Scandinavian origin, specifically Norwegian and Swedish. It is derived from the Old Norse words "tekinn" meaning "tailor" or "dressmaker", or "tekr" meaning "thief". Over time, this name has been adopted by individuals in various countries due to migration and assimilation. In Norway, it is most common in the regions of Telemark, Vestfold, and Rogaland, while in Sweden it is prevalent in the counties of Skåne, Halland, and Västergötland.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Tegner

The surname Tegner is of Scandinavian origin, specifically from Norway and Sweden. It derives from the Old Norse personal name "Þegi" or "Þegvarr," which means "poet" or "composer." Over time, this personal name evolved into the Swedish and Norwegian surname Tegner. The name is relatively uncommon outside of Scandinavia due to historical emigration patterns but is still a significant family name in both Norway and Sweden. Notable individuals bearing the surname Tegner include Swedish poet Esaias Tegnér, best known for his work "Fritzellionadik," and Norwegian author Peter Christen Asbjørnsen, who co-authored fairy tales collected from oral tradition in Norway.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tegner

The surname Tegner has its origins in Scandinavia, particularly Norway and Sweden, where it is most prevalent. Historically, it derives from the Old Norse personal name Tegin or Teig, which means "thunder" or "lightning." In Norway, it is most common in the counties of Viken, Vestfold, and Østfold, while in Sweden, it is more frequently found in Skåne, Västergötland, and Södermanland. The name has also spread due to migration and is present in other European countries, with significant populations in Denmark, Finland, and Germany. In the United States, individuals with the surname Tegner are primarily of Scandinavian descent and are predominantly found in states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois. Globally, the name has a strong presence in countries with historical links to Norway or Sweden, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tegner

The surname Tegner can be found with various spellings and variations across different regions and time periods. Some common variants include Teagner, Teaghan, Teighener, and Tygan. These variations may arise due to factors such as spelling differences in historical records, regional dialects, or individual preferences. Another variant is Tegner-Larsson, which combines the Tegner surname with Larsson, a common Swedish surname. In Norwegian, the name can also be found as Teigen or Tiengen. These variations highlight the global dispersal and evolution of the Tegner surname over time.

Famous people with the last name Tegner

Notable individuals with the surname Tegner include:

1. Esaias Tegner (1782-1846), a Swedish poet and playwright, known for his historical epics like Frithiof's Saga.

2. Emilie Tegner (1809-1857), a Danish actress and writer, who was a prominent figure in the Danish theater during the Golden Age.

3. Richard Tegner (born 1934), an American graphic designer, known for his work on logos such as the Ford oval, Pepsi-Cola's 'swirl', and the original NASA logo.

4. Peter Tegner (born 1956), a Swedish sailor who won a silver medal in the 1980 Summer Olympics in the Soling class.

5. Erik Tegner (born 1973), a Norwegian footballer who played as a defender for several clubs, including Rosenborg BK and Molde FK.

6. Kristoffer Tegner (born 1982), a Norwegian ice hockey player who represented Norway in the Winter Olympics in 2014.

Genealogical research on the last name Tegner

The surname Tegner is of Norwegian origin and is believed to have derived from the Old Norse 'teggr' meaning 'cobbler', 'tailor', or 'cutter'. The first recorded instances of the name are found in medieval Norway. One notable bearer of this name was Henrik Tegner, a Danish poet who lived in the 19th century and is considered one of Denmark's greatest poets. In Sweden, the famous author Esaias Tegnér, known for his national epic "Frithiofs saga", also carried the surname Tegner. The name later spread to other countries due to migration waves, particularly during the 19th century. Notable Tegners outside Scandinavia include American chemist Carl Tegner and Norwegian architect Sverre Fehn, both of whom were recipients of the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
About the author :

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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