Last Name Tielie

The surname Tielie does not have a clear and definitive origin that is widely accepted by genealogists and historians. It is likely to be of Dutch origin, derived from a place name or a personal name in the Netherlands. One possible origin could be from the town of Tiellen (Tiel) in the Gelderland province of the Netherlands. The name Tielie could have been a nickname for someone who was originally from this area. Another possibility is that it might be derived from the Dutch word "tijlo," meaning tulip, which could indicate an occupation or a place name associated with tulips. However, without more specific information about the individual's family history, it is impossible to confirm the exact origin of the surname Tielie. Genealogical research may provide further insights into its origins and possible connections to specific places or families in the Netherlands.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tielie

The meaning and origin of the last name Tielie

The surname Tielie is likely of Dutch origin, derived from the toponymic name "Tielen" or "Teijlingen," both of which are locations in the Netherlands. The name "Tielen" comes from the Old Dutch word "tiul" meaning "grove" or "wood," while "Teijlingen" is a compound of "teije," meaning "thorn bush," and "-ingen," denoting settlement or farmstead. Over time, variations in spelling such as Teelie, Tielley, or Tielie may have arisen due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription practices. The surname Tielie could be found among Dutch immigrants who settled in various parts of Europe and the Americas during colonial times.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tielie

The surname Tielie is predominantly found in South Africa, particularly within the Afrikaans-speaking population. It originates from the Dutch word "Tiel," which refers to a town in the Netherlands. A significant concentration of individuals with this last name can be found in provinces such as Northern Cape, Free State, and Western Cape due to historical migration patterns. The name also appears in smaller numbers within the Afrikaans community living abroad, especially in countries like Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, where South African immigrants have settled. It's important to note that surnames can vary in spelling based on transcription errors or personal preferences during immigration processes.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tielie

The spelling and variations of the surname Tielie can include:

* Tiele
* de Tiele
* Teile
* Thiele
* De Thiele
* D'Tiel
* Tiellie
* Teilje
* De Teilje

These variations may arise due to differences in spelling conventions, transcription errors, or regional dialects over time. The original Dutch root of the name is "de Tiel," which means "from Tiel" - a city in the Netherlands.

Famous people with the last name Tielie

The Tielie surname is less common among globally recognized figures compared to some other names, but there are still notable individuals bearing this name. Notable among them is Li Tie, a Chinese professional footballer who plays as a central defender for German club 1. FC Köln and the China national team. In the field of academia, Huibert Tiele (1926-2018) was a Dutch Indologist and professor emeritus at Leiden University, renowned for his research on Sanskrit literature and Jainism. Lastly, Dionys Tielie, a South African politician, served as the Mayor of Rustenburg from 2006 to 2011, representing the Democratic Alliance party.

Genealogical research on the last name Tielie

The Tielie surname is of Dutch origin and is believed to have been derived from the location Tiellandt in the Netherlands. Records indicate that the name was first documented in the late Middle Ages, around the 14th century. The earliest known bearer of the name was Petrus Thielinck, who lived in Drenthe, a province in the northeast of the Netherlands. The Tielie family migrated to various parts of Europe over centuries, including Germany and Belgium. In the 19th century, many Tielies emigrated to North America, with significant populations settling in the United States and Canada. The spelling of the name has slightly varied over time, with forms such as Teel, Thiel, and Tielen also being encountered. The Tielie family is part of a larger group of Dutch surnames that were originally occupational or topographical names.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "tielie"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends