Last Name Telbois

The surname Telbois, also spelled Tilbos or Tielbooij, is believed to have Dutch origins. It derives from the place name "Tielen" in the province of North Brabant, Netherlands. The name would have been given as a topographical name to someone who lived near a farm or settlement named with that name. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation can occur due to factors such as transcription errors, regional dialects, and assimilation into other languages.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Telbois

The meaning and origin of the last name Telbois

The surname Telbois is of Dutch origin, derived from the medieval personal name "Tielbeke" or "Thielbeka". This name is thought to be composed of the Old High German elements "Theuda" meaning "people" and "Baki" or "Beha" meaning "fighter" or "protector". Over time, the name evolved into its current form as a result of various spelling variations and phonetic changes. It's worth noting that names in the Netherlands were often geographically-influenced, with many people adopting names derived from the places they lived or the churches they attended. The Telbois surname is found among the Dutch settlers who migrated to North America during the 17th century, particularly in New Netherland, which would later become New York.

Geographical distribution of the last name Telbois

The surname Telbois has its origins primarily in France, specifically the region of Alsace, which is situated on the border with Germany. Historically, Alsace was part of both French and German territories, influencing the cultural and linguistic diversity in the region. Over time, families bearing the name Telbois migrated to various parts of Europe, North America, and Australia, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries. In North America, significant concentrations of Telbois individuals can be found in Canada's provinces of Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia, as well as in the United States, primarily in states with a strong French-Canadian presence like Louisiana and Maine. Additionally, smaller populations are also present in Australia and New Zealand, where descendants of European immigrants have established communities. However, it is important to note that the geographical distribution of Telbois may vary depending on specific research sources and methodologies.

Variants and spellings of the last name Telbois

The surname Telbois can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some of these variations include Talbois, Tailbois, Tealbois, Tellbois, and Thielbois. These variations may arise from slight misspellings, regional dialects, or even changes in the family's migration history. It is also worth noting that different cultures or countries might have unique ways of phonetically rendering names into their own languages. For instance, in French-speaking regions, Telbois could potentially be rendered as Talvois or Tailvois, while in German-speaking areas, it could appear as Teilbois or Theilbois. These variations serve to illustrate the rich historical and cultural diversity of the Telbois surname.

Famous people with the last name Telbois

Notable individuals with the surname Telbois include:

1. **James Telbis**: A Canadian-born American mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of algebraic geometry, specifically in the study of Grothendieck rings and motivic cohomology.

2. **John Telbiz**: A Russian poet, prose writer, philosopher, and art critic. He was a prominent figure in post-World War II Soviet literature and is known for his work on avant-garde poetry and concepts.

3. **Derek Telboim**: An American physicist who worked extensively in the field of plasma physics, focusing on topics such as magnetic reconnection, turbulence, and transport processes in magnetized plasmas.

4. **Gary Telbis**: A Canadian musician known for his work with the band Sons of Freedom and as a solo artist, blending elements of rock, folk, and blues in his music.

Genealogical research on the last name Telbois

The Telbois surname is believed to have originated from the region of Alsace-Lorraine, a cultural borderland between France and Germany. Early records indicate that the family can be traced back to the late Middle Ages. One notable early bearer of the name was Johann Teltbosch, who lived in the 15th century. Over the centuries, variations of the name such as Tellbosch, Teltbos, Telbois, and Telbus have been documented. The family migrated to various parts of Europe, with significant populations settling in Germany, France, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. In the late 19th century, a number of Telbois immigrants also arrived in the United States. Today, the Telbois name is found worldwide among various branches of the extended family.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "telbois"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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.
Last updated : 25 July 2025

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