The last name Tims has roots in multiple European countries, including England and Scotland. In English-speaking regions, it is often an occupational surname derived from Old English "tim(e)" meaning "time" or a variant of the given name Timothy. In Scotland, it may have been a nickname for someone with red hair (Tim the Red). However, it's essential to note that surnames like Tims can originate from various sources and sometimes share similar forms across different cultures, so it is always important to consider multiple possible origins when researching genealogy.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Tims
The meaning and origin of the last name Tims
The surname Tims is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the given name "Tym" or "Thim". This name was originally a diminutive form of the personal names Theobald (from the Old High German "theud-beald," meaning people-bold) and Thaddeus (an Aramaic name, meaning gift of God). Over time, the name Tims emerged as a separate surname in its own right. It is most commonly found among the English-speaking population, particularly in England and the United States, where it has been in use since the Middle Ages. The distribution of the name varies across these regions, with higher concentrations in certain counties and states based on historical migration patterns. The surname Tims can also be found in other parts of the world due to British colonization and later migration waves.
Geographical distribution of the last name Tims
The surname Tims is predominantly found in countries with strong English-speaking roots, particularly the United Kingdom and its territories such as Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, and the Isle of Man. A significant number of people with this last name can also be found in the United States, reflecting the immigration from the British Isles during the 19th and 20th centuries. Tims is less common but still present in other English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland. It's interesting to note that variations of the name such as 'Tyme,' 'Time,' or 'Tyms' can be found across Europe, particularly in Scandinavian countries, where the name might have been anglicized by Viking invasions centuries ago.
Variants and spellings of the last name Tims
The surname Tims has several variations and spellings, including Tymes, Timeys, Tyms, Thymeis, Tymess, Timiss, and Timses. These variations may stem from different regional pronunciations or spelling adaptations over time. Additionally, the name could potentially have different origins, such as being of English, Scottish, or Irish descent, with various meanings attached to each origin, such as "from the homestead on the river" (English), "son of Diomáidh" (Scottish Gaelic), and "descendant of Tadhg" (Irish). In some cases, the spelling may be influenced by the specific dialect or phonetic rules of a particular region. It is essential to consider these factors when researching the history and origin of the name Tims and its variations.
Famous people with the last name Tims
Notable individuals sharing the surname Tims include:
1. John Timms (born 1938), an Australian rules footballer who played for South Melbourne and Fitzroy Football Clubs, winning the Brownlow Medal in 1962.
2. Kevon Seymour Tims (born 1995), a professional basketball player from Trinidad and Tobago, playing for various teams in Europe.
3. Richard Timms (1868-1924), an American politician who served as the Mayor of San Francisco from 1907 to 1909.
4. David Timms (born 1950), a British Labour Party politician, serving as Member of Parliament for Eastbourne since 1987.
5. Richard Tims (1825-1863), an American farmer and soldier who served in the Union Army during the American Civil War, becoming one of the most decorated African American soldiers of the war.
Genealogical research on the last name Tims
The surname Tims is primarily of Anglo-Saxon and Norman origin, derived from various locations bearing the same name in England, such as Tymes in Norfolk, Tymeside in Northumberland, and Tyme's Eyot in London. The earliest recorded spelling of the name dates back to the late 12th century in Yorkshire, with a person named Radulf de Tyms listed in the Pipe Rolls. Over time, various spellings have emerged due to scribal errors and regional dialects, including Thimmes, Thyme, Tymes, and Tims. The name is thought to be occupational, referring to someone who lived by a thyme bush or was a farmer who cultivated the herb thyme, or it could be locational, originating from one of the places named above. Throughout history, individuals with the surname Tims have been found in various professions, including agriculture, trades, and military service, contributing to their dispersal across England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States.
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