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Last Name Tine

What is the origin of the last name Tine?

The surname "Tine" has multiple origins. It is an occupational name derived from the Old French word "ton," which means "tun" or "barrel maker." This suggests that the original bearer was a person who made barrels, possibly for wine or other liquid storage. In another instance, the name Tine could be a short form of various given names such as Constantine, Matthias, and Mathilde, which have Germanic origins. In this case, it would not be derived from an occupation but rather from a personal name. It's also important to note that surnames can be very old and have been passed down for centuries, so it's possible for a single surname to originate from multiple sources. It is always recommended to conduct further research or consult with a genealogist to learn more about the specific origin of your ancestral name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tine

The meaning and origin of the last name Tine

The surname Tine has origins rooted in several different cultures. In some cases, it is of Germanic descent, where it was originally a byname derived from the personal name Tilo or Thiolant, which mean "rich in fame" or "full of strength," respectively. In other instances, the surname Tine may be of French origin, derived from the Old French word "tin," meaning "tin" or "kettle." Additionally, it has been suggested that the name could also have origins in Scandinavia, where it may be a variant of the name Tineke, which is derived from the Old Norse name Thórunn, meaning "thunder-woman." In any case, the surname Tine is found throughout Europe and has been brought to various parts of the world through immigration and colonization.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tine

The surname Tine is predominantly found in European countries, particularly France and Italy, with significant concentrations in these regions. In France, it's most common in the region of Aquitaine, notably in the departments of Gironde, Dordogne, and Landes. In Italy, it's more frequent in the regions of Tuscany, Lazio, and Piedmont. Smaller numbers of individuals bearing the name Tine can also be found in other European countries such as Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The distribution outside Europe is relatively scarce, with traces in South America, mainly in Brazil, and a few occurrences in North America, particularly in the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tine

The surname Tine can have various spellings and minor variations, depending on regional influences, ancestral origins, and individual preferences. Some common variants include:

1. Tynne - A variation that emphasizes the double 'n' sound in the surname.
2. Tyne - Often seen as a shortened or anglicized version of Tynne, this spelling can also refer to the river Tyne in North East England.
3. Teen - A possible variant due to spelling simplification over time.
4. Tenne - Another variation that may have developed from attempts to phonetically represent the pronunciation of the name.
5. De Tine, Le Tine, or L'Tine - These are French surnames derived from the same root as Tynne/Tyne and are often associated with French-speaking areas in Canada or the U.S.
6. Tonne - A less common variant that may have developed due to mispronunciation or spelling errors over time.

Famous people with the last name Tine

Notable individuals sharing the surname Tine include:

1. Paul Tine (born 1962), an American politician who has served as a member of the North Carolina Senate since 2003.

2. Robert Tine (1928-2014), a Belgian actor known for his work in French and Flemish cinema, particularly for his roles in "The Battle of Algiers" and "Les vingt jours après la chute de l'empire romain".

3. Tineke Strik (born 1962), a Dutch politician who has served as a Member of the European Parliament since 2004, representing the Democratic Party 66.

4. Thomas Tine (born 1951), an American author and academic specializing in Chinese politics and modern Chinese history. He is currently a professor at Georgetown University.

5. Walter Tine (born 1952), an American musician, composer, and music educator known for his work in the area of jazz education and Brazilian music.

These individuals have made significant contributions to politics, acting, academia, and music, demonstrating the versatility and influence of those bearing the surname Tine.

Genealogical research on the last name Tine

The surname Tine is predominantly found among French-speaking populations, particularly in France and its territories. Historically, it originated as a baptismal name derived from the Latin word "Titus," which was a popular name during the Roman Empire. The name spread throughout Europe through various migration waves and became a common surname in several countries. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Tine is in Normandy, France, around the 12th century. As people migrated from France to other European regions, variations in the spelling of the name emerged, including Teynay, Tenier, and Tene. In England, the name was anglicized as Taylor or Teague, while in Scotland it became Tyne or Thynne. Genealogical research reveals a number of notable individuals bearing the surname Tine, such as Antoine Tine (16th-century French merchant), Jean-Baptiste Tine de La Marche (17th-century French military officer), and Sir Dudley North (17th-century English politician and economist). The Tine lineage continues to be traced across Europe, with numerous branches and sub-branches extending from the original French roots.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 11 June 2025

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