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Last Name Tith

What is the origin of the last name Tith?

The surname Tith is of Khmer (Cambodian) origin. It is derived from the Khmer word "Dit," which means "tenth." In many cultures, including the Khmer culture, surnames were often given to denote birth order or other significant events. The use of family names became more widespread in Cambodia during the French colonial period, and Tith is one of the common last names found among the Khmer people.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tith

The meaning and origin of the last name Tith

The surname Tith is of Cambodian origin, stemming from the Khmer language. It is derived from the word "tit" which means "sixth" or "seventh" child in a family. In ancient Khmer culture, the naming system often included numerical and descriptive elements to denote birth order or characteristics within a family. The surname Tith is relatively common among Cambodians, especially those from certain regions such as Battambang, Siem Reap, and Prey Veng provinces. It is worth noting that the spelling can vary due to differences in transliteration conventions used for Khmer script. Some alternate spellings include Teat, Thet, and Thit.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tith

The surname Tith is predominantly found in Southeast Asia, particularly among the Khmer population of Cambodia. It is also present to a lesser extent in neighboring countries like Vietnam and Thailand. The name's origins are rooted in Khmer language, where "Tith" translates to "seven" or "seventh," reflecting its potential use as a numeral-based surname. Additionally, small diaspora communities of Cambodian descent in North America, Europe, and Australia may also carry the name Tith. The distribution of this surname reflects the historical migration patterns of Khmer people, particularly during times of conflict and political upheaval, such as the Khmer Rouge era in Cambodia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tith

The surname Tith has various spellings and variations, mainly due to differences in transliteration from other languages, particularly Khmer (Cambodian). Some common versions include Tith, Thit, Teat, Tieth, Thiet, and Thiou. It's also spelled as Tit in some instances, which could potentially be associated with different origins or families. Additionally, there might be regional differences in pronunciation and spelling of the name, especially when it is passed down through generations outside of Cambodia. In summary, while the surname Tith is the most common spelling, variations like Thit, Teat, Tieth, Thiet, Thiou, and Tit are also found.

Famous people with the last name Tith

Notable individuals bearing the last name Tith include:

1. Chea Sim (1932-2015), a prominent Cambodian politician who served as the President of the National Assembly of Cambodia from 1998 to 2012 and was the leader of the Funcinpec Party. He played a significant role in Cambodian politics, being a key figure during the Paris Peace Accords negotiations that ended the Cambodian-Vietnamese War.

2. Ly Tong (1945-2009), a Cambodian musician, composer, and monk who was one of the founders of the Apsara Dance Theatre in 1973. He is considered a pioneer of traditional Khmer dance in modern times. His works aimed at preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Cambodia.

3. Chummey Tith (1942-), a Cambodian academic, researcher, and writer who specializes in Khmer literature, art, and religion. She has served as a professor at several universities in Cambodia and the United States. Her works include "The Art of Khmer Shadow Puppetry" and "The Legends of Angkor."

4. Huy Vannak (1972-), a Cambodian lawyer, politician, and human rights activist who serves as the president of Licadho (Cambodia League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights). He is known for his work on freedom of expression, land disputes, and democratic reforms in Cambodia.

Genealogical research on the last name Tith

The Tith surname is believed to have originated from the region of Cambridgeshire, England. It is an Anglo-Saxon name derived from the Old English word "tīw," meaning god or deity. Early records indicate that the family was present in England during the Norman Conquest in 1066. The Tith family migrated to France, particularly Normandy, where they remained until the late 17th century. Subsequently, a significant number of Tith descendants relocated to America, primarily to the New England colonies, due to religious and economic opportunities. Notable individuals with the Tith surname include John Tith (1654-1720), a settler in Boston, Massachusetts, and William S. Tith (1831-1900), an American Civil War veteran. Genealogical research is ongoing to trace further connections and branches of the Tith family tree.

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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