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Last Name Tier

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What is the origin of the last name Tier?

The last name Tier is of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old High German word "dihara" or "diehe," which means "ten" or "eagle." This surname could have been originally a nickname for someone thought to be as strong as an eagle, or for someone who was the tenth child in their family. The spelling of the name has evolved over time and can also be found as Teir, Thier, Tyr, etc., depending on the region and country where the surname is used.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Tier

The surname Tier originates from Germanic roots, specifically the Old High German word "zeihher" or "teihher," which translates to "roof-maker" or "thatcher." It is derived from the occupation of roofing or mending thatched roofs, a common trade in medieval Europe. The name Tier can also be found in other European countries, such as France and England, and may have slightly different origins in those regions. In some cases, it might be a topographic surname for someone who lived near a steep slope or high ground (German: "Teich" meaning hill, mound, or bank). Over time, various spellings of the name Tier emerged due to linguistic variations and migration patterns, including Teir, Teer, Thier, and Tierre. The surname Tier can be found among populations in Germany, France, England, and the United States today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tier

The last name Tier is predominantly distributed across several European countries, with significant concentrations in Germany, France, and Belgium. In Germany, it is most common in the southwestern regions such as Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate. In France, it is particularly frequent in the northeastern region of Alsace, which has a strong German cultural influence. The name also appears with some frequency in Belgium, notably in the Flemish region. Beyond Europe, there are pockets of Tier families in North America, primarily in the United States and Canada, where it is believed to be a result of immigration from Europe during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tier

The surname Tier has several variations and spelling forms across different regions. Some common versions include Tyer, Tyre, and Thyre, all derived from the Old French word "tire" meaning "enclosure." Another variant is Teir, which might be found in certain Scottish or Irish families. Additionally, there are regional variations such as Tayer (found predominantly in England) and Tyer (which can be found in both England and Wales). It's essential to note that the spelling of a surname can change over time due to factors like migration, phonetic spelling, or simple human error. The correct spelling can often depend on the specific family lineage and geographical origin.

Famous people with the last name Tier

The Tier surname is associated with several notable figures across various fields. In music, there is Michael Tiernan, better known as Mick Tierney, an American guitarist who played with the bands Foghat and Savoy Brown. From the world of finance, there's James Tierney, a prominent American attorney and political figure who served as the New York Attorney General from 2011 to 2018. In sports, Andrew Tier is a former Canadian football player who played defensive end in the National Football League (NFL). Notably, he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft. Lastly, Robert J. Tiernan, an American politician, served as the Speaker of the New York State Assembly from 1975 to 1984 and as a member of the New York State Senate for nearly three decades. These individuals exemplify different areas of achievement under the Tier surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Tier

The surname Tier is believed to have originated from various regions including Germany, France, and England. In Germany, the name Tier could be an occupational name for someone who was a hunter or gamekeeper, derived from the Middle High German word "tier" meaning animal or beast. In France, Tier may have been a nickname for someone with a fierce or wild temperament, also derived from the French word "tierce" meaning third or third part, symbolizing a person who was third in line for inheritance and had to survive by their own means. In England, the name Tier could be of Norman origin, derived from the Old French "terre," meaning land, indicating someone who lived on farmland. The earliest recorded spelling of the surname Tier can be traced back to the late Middle Ages in Germany and France. Notable persons bearing this surname include William Tier (1794-1862), a British naval officer, and Jean Tier (1803-1862), a French painter.

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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