Last Name Tolbert

The last name "Tolbert" is a surname of English origin. It is derived from a medieval given name "Tolbert" or "Tolbertus," which was commonly used in the 12th and 13th centuries. This given name originated as a diminutive form of the name "Toll," which itself was a shortened form of "Bartholomew." Thus, "Tolbert" essentially means "son of Toll" or "descendant of Toll." The name "Tolbert" is primarily found in the United Kingdom, particularly in England and Scotland.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tolbert

The meaning and origin of the last name Tolbert

The surname Tolbert has different meanings and origins. One possible origin lies in England, where the name originated as a locational surname. It is derived from the Old English words "toll" meaning "tax" and "burh" meaning "fortress" or "stronghold." This suggests that the name may have originally denoted someone who lived near or worked at a tollbooth or fortress. Another possible origin of the Tolbert surname is found in Scotland. In this case, Tolbert is believed to be derived from the Gaelic name MacGilleTolbuirt, which means "son of the servant of Tolbert." The name may have originally referred to a servant who worked for a prominent individual with the given name Tolbert. It is essential to note that surnames often have diverse origins and can change over time due to migration or other factors. This results in different families with the surname Tolbert having separate ancestral roots and meanings associated with their respective lineages.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tolbert

The last name Tolbert has a relatively scattered geographical distribution, with its highest concentration in the United States. It is most common in the southern states, particularly in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Arkansas. These regions have a historical connection to the African-American community, and the surname likely originated from enslaved individuals who were given the name by their slaveholders. Apart from the United States, the name can also be found in smaller numbers in other English-speaking countries such as the United Kingdom and Canada. Additionally, there may be a small presence of Tolberts in West Africa, particularly in Liberia, due to historical connections between the region and the United States. Overall, while the name Tolbert is not extremely widespread, it has a significant presence in certain areas of the United States, particularly in the southern states with a history of African-American settlement.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tolbert

The last name Tolbert has several variations and spellings, reflecting the diverse ways it has been written over time. Some variations include Talbert, Talberte, Talbott, and Talbot. These variations often emerged due to regional dialects or different pronunciation patterns. Additionally, there might be spelling variations resulting from phonetic interpretations, clerk errors, or Anglicization of foreign forms. Other potential spellings include Talburt, Taulbert, and Taulburt. It is important to note that these variations are not limited to a specific geographic area or time period; they have occurred across different regions and historical eras. This highlights the fluidity and adaptability of surnames throughout history, as they were often recorded by individuals who may have altered the spelling according to their own understanding or preferences. As a result, genealogical researchers need to be aware of these variations and spellings to accurately trace the lineage of individuals with the Tolbert surname.

Famous people with the last name Tolbert

One famous individual with the last name Tolbert is William Richard Tolbert Jr., who served as the 20th President of Liberia from 1971 until his assassination in 1980. As the leader of the True Whig Party, Tolbert made significant attempts to modernize his country by focusing on economic development and social reforms. Unfortunately, his presidency was cut short during the military coup d'état led by Samuel Doe. Another notable figure is Charles Tolbert, an American economist and political activist. Born in 1941, Tolbert has devoted much of his career to addressing economic inequality and social justice issues in the United States. He has been a vocal advocate for the rights of marginalized communities, particularly focusing on issues such as poverty, racial discrimination, and healthcare disparities. Charles Tolbert has also been involved in grassroots campaigns and has participated in political races in Florida.

Genealogical research on the last name Tolbert

The surname Tolbert likely has English origins and is derived from the Old English personal name "Tol" or "Tola", which means "toll" or "tax", combined with the suffix "bert", meaning "bright" or "famous". The Tolbert surname can be traced back to medieval times, and variations of the name such as Tollibert and Talbert have been recorded throughout history. It is thought that the Tolbert ancestral line can be found in various regions of England, including Staffordshire, Worcestershire, and Lincolnshire. Over time, individuals with the surname Tolbert have migrated to different parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. Today, Tolbert is a relatively common surname with diverse branches that can be traced through genealogical records and research.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Tolbert"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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