The surname Tonkin is of English origin. It is derived from various places in England named Tonkyn or Tonking, such as Tonkington in Lincolnshire and Tonkingthorpe in Yorkshire. These place names are Anglicized forms of Old Norse personal names containing the element 'Tondr', meaning 'thunder'. The surname Tonkin may also be of French origin, deriving from Toulon, a city in southern France. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of this surname have evolved due to factors such as migration, local dialects, and scribal errors during historical record-keeping.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Tonkin
The meaning and origin of the last name Tonkin
The surname Tonkin is of English origin, primarily found in the counties of Cornwall and Devon. It is believed to be a locational name derived from the town or manor of Tincombe, in Dorset, or Tincott in Cornwall, both of which are places named with the Old English elements "tince," meaning tin, and "cumb," meaning valley or hollow. The surname may also be associated with Tonken, a place in Gloucestershire, also thought to be from the Old English words for tin and valley. The earliest known record of the name can be traced back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as de Tinchecombe or de Tynchombe. Over time, the spelling has undergone several changes, resulting in various forms such as Tonkin, Tinker, Tincome, and Tinkum. The Tonkin family has also been found in Ireland, suggesting a possible Norman influence or migration.
Geographical distribution of the last name Tonkin
The surname Tonkin is predominantly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in England, with high concentrations in Cornwall and Devon. These regions have historical links to Brittany, France, where the name may have originated. A significant number of Tonkins can also be found in Ireland, suggesting a possible migration from Britain during the medieval period. The name is less common but still present in other English-speaking countries like Australia, Canada, and the United States, with smaller pockets in France, Belgium, and the Caribbean islands. This geographical distribution suggests a complex history of migration, colonization, and cultural exchange.
Variants and spellings of the last name Tonkin
The surname Tonkin is primarily found among people of English origin, although it may also be encountered in other parts of the world due to migration and colonization. There are various spelling variations of this name, which often arise due to changes in transcription, translation, or regional dialects over time. Some of these include Tincknell, Tench, Tonkin, Tinkler, Tinknell, Tunnecliffe, Tynekill, and many more. These variations can also be found across countries such as England, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States, among others. It is important to note that these spelling variations do not necessarily indicate different surnames but rather different ways of recording the same name.
Famous people with the last name Tonkin
The Tonkin family has produced several notable figures across various fields, including entertainment, politics, and sports. One of the most well-known is Joan Tonkin, an American television actress who starred in popular series such as "The Waltons" and "Little House on the Prairie." In politics, Tom Tonkin served as a member of the Australian Senate from 2005 to 2016, representing Queensland for the Liberal National Party. Additionally, James Tonkin is a British professional snooker player who has competed in numerous international tournaments, including the World Snooker Championship. Lastly, Richard Tonkin, an English actor, has appeared in several television series and films, including "The Bill" and "EastEnders." These individuals are just a few examples of the notable Tonkins who have made significant contributions to their respective fields.
Genealogical research on the last name Tonkin
The Tonkin surname is of Norman origin, stemming from the region of Tonquin in France, which was Anglicized to Tonkin during the medieval period when many Normans emigrated to England following the Conquest in 1066. The first recorded spelling of the name appears as 'de Toni' in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over time, various spellings have emerged due to factors such as transliteration and regional dialects, including Tonken, Tankin, and Thonkin. Notable bearers of the name include John Tonkin, a 17th-century Member of Parliament in England, and Charles Henry Tonkinson, an influential American architect from the late 19th century. The Tonkin family migrated to various parts of the world, with significant populations found in England, United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
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 :
Share the origin of your last name with your friends
The surname Ton has origins that can be traced to several different countries. Here are a few possible origins:
1. England: The name Ton can be an occupational surname for a weave...
The last name Tona is of Italian origin. It is derived from the medieval personal name "Antona", which itself is derived from the Latin name Antonius, meaning "praiseworthy" or "pr...
The last name "Tonak" is of Ottoman Turkish origin, meaning a person from the city of Tonāk in present-day Iran. It is also a common surname in Turkey and may have originated from...
The last name "Tonato" is of Italian origin. It is derived from the word "tonare," meaning "to thunder." The name may have originated as a nickname for someone who had a loud or bo...
The last name Tondji is of African origin, specifically from the Ewe people of Togo and Ghana. Ewe names usually have significant meanings and are often given based on the circumst...
The last name Tone Hassan is believed to have originated from Arabic and/or Islamic cultures. "Tone" may refer to a specific sound or type of music in Arabic, while "Hassan" is a c...
The surname "Tonedo" is of Italian origin, specifically from the region of Veneto in northern Italy. It is derived from the word "tondo," which means "round" or "circular" in Itali...
The surname Tonelli is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Antonio (Italian form of Anthony), indicating that it was originally used as a nickname for someone wh...
Tonello is an Italian surname, derived from the personal name Antonio, which means "worthy of praise" or "highly praiseworthy". The name Tonello is most commonly found in the north...
The surname Tonellot is believed to be derived from a diminutive form of the Italian given name Antonio. It was common for Italian surnames to be derived from the names of biblical...
The last name "Tonesh" does not have a known origin or meaning in English. It is possible that it could be a variant spelling of a more common surname or have roots in a different ...
The surname Tonet has roots in several countries, but its most common origin is believed to be Italian. In Italy, the name is derived from various place names that end with "tona" ...
The surname Tonetti is of Italian origin. It is derived from the personal name Antonio, which is the Italian form of Anthony. It is a common surname in the Lombardy region of Italy...
The surname Tongco is of Chinese origin. It is derived from the Chinese word "tang," meaning "sugar," and the suffix "co," which indicates descent or lineage.
