Last Name Tison

The surname Tison is believed to have French origins and is derived from a nickname or occupational name for someone who was a tailor, specifically one who made clothing from tissus, which is French for cloth. However, it's important to note that surnames often evolved in various ways and can have different origins in different regions or families. It's always best to consult genealogical resources or a professional genealogist for the most accurate information on a specific family line.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tison

The meaning and origin of the last name Tison

The surname Tison is of French origin and derives from the Old French word "tisoun," meaning "thistle." This name was often given to individuals who were compared to this prickly plant due to their toughness or resilience. Over time, the spelling has evolved into various forms such as Tisson, Teison, and Tizone in different regions and countries where French-speaking settlers migrated. Today, the name Tison is found primarily among populations with a historical connection to France or its colonies, including Canada, the United States, and Belgium.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tison

The last name Tison is predominantly found in France and Belgium, with significant concentrations in these countries' northern regions. According to familynameorigins.com, Tison is a French surname that likely originated from a place named Tisné, located near the city of Arras in Pas-de-Calais, France. The name has been recorded in various forms, including Tisson, Tizun, and Teisson. In Belgium, it is particularly common in the province of West Flanders, close to the French border. In North America, Tison is more sparsely distributed, with notable presences in Quebec and Louisiana, potentially as a result of French immigration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tison

The surname Tison, also spelled as Teisson, Tisshon, and Tisonne, among others, is primarily of French origin. It derives from various locales named Tissey, Tizé, or Thizay, found in regions such as Orne, Côte-d'Or, and Loiret. The name can also be associated with the occupational nickname "tailleur" (tailor) in Old French, which evolved into "tisserand" (weaver), and eventually shortened to Tison or its variations due to regional pronunciation differences. Some variations may have originated from misinterpretations during transcription over time.

Famous people with the last name Tison

The Tison family has produced several notable individuals throughout history. Among them is David Tison, who along with his brother Randy, was involved in a notorious case known as the Tison Brothers Murder Case in Texas during the 1970s. They were sentenced to death for their involvement in the murders of a couple and their 16-year-old daughter. Another well-known individual with the last name Tison is John Tison, a Canadian ice hockey player who played professionally in the National Hockey League (NHL) for teams such as the Montreal Canadiens and the Philadelphia Flyers during the 1980s. Lastly, there's Charles A. Tison, an American lawyer and judge who served as a justice on the Supreme Court of Texas from 1969 to 1977.

Genealogical research on the last name Tison

The surname Tison, originating from France, is primarily associated with the Picardy and Normandy regions. It's an occupational name derived from the Old French 'tis(on)', meaning a thatcher or roofer. One notable historical figure bearing this name is Pierre Tison, who was a French lawyer and scholar in the 16th century.

In Belgium, the name Tison has been recorded since the 13th century, with one of its earliest mentions being Jean Tison, Lord of Beauregard, in the Duchy of Brabant in 1257. In North America, French settlers brought the surname to Quebec and Louisiana in the 17th century, with notable descendants including Benjamin Tison, a prominent farmer and politician in 18th-century Louisiana.

Today, variations of the name Tison are found across Europe, North America, and other parts of the world, reflecting its long history and widespread dispersal over time.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Tison"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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