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Last Name Top

What is the origin of the last name Top?

The surname Top is of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "toppe," meaning "point" or "peak." This name may have been used to describe someone who lived on a hill or high ground, or it could be an occupational name for a maker of wooden tops. The surname Top also appears in other European countries due to migration and assimilation over centuries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Top

The meaning and origin of the last name Top

The surname Top is of Old Norse origin, derived from the Old Norse personal name Tópi, which meant "young plant" or "sprout." This name was common among Scandinavian settlers who immigrated to Iceland and the Faroe Islands during the Viking Age. The surname Top first appeared as a last name in England during the Middle Ages when many Scandinavian settlers were assimilated into Anglo-Saxon society. Over time, variations of the name emerged due to spelling errors and regional dialects, such as Topp, Topham, and Topping. Today, the surname Top can be found throughout Europe, with significant populations in England, Scotland, and Scandinavia, although it is also present in other parts of the world due to migration. The name Top is not particularly common compared to other surnames but carries a rich history and connection to the Viking Age and early European settlements.

Geographical distribution of the last name Top

The surname Top is predominantly distributed across Eastern and Central Europe, particularly in countries such as Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Poland, Czech Republic, and Slovenia. A significant number of people with this surname can also be found in neighboring regions like Austria, Croatia, and Ukraine. Additionally, there are smaller clusters of individuals with the last name Top in other parts of Europe, Asia, North America, Oceania, and Africa, likely as a result of migration or diaspora. The name may have originated from various sources, including geographical features (e.g., hilltops), occupations related to woodworking, or even nicknames based on physical characteristics. However, further research is needed to confirm these theories and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the historical and cultural significance of the surname Top.

Variants and spellings of the last name Top

The surname Top has several variants and spellings across different regions and cultures. Some common variations include Tap, Topp, De Top, van de Top, Del Topo, and Deltopo. In some cases, the name may be hyphenated or combined with other words to form compound surnames such as Topp-Cooper, Topping, or Toppelman. Additionally, there may be regional variations based on local dialects, phonetic changes over time, or cultural influences. For example, in Scandinavian countries, the name Top could potentially have been transliterated from another language or adapted to fit local naming conventions. Therefore, it is important to consider these factors when researching family history and genealogy.

Famous people with the last name Top

The Top family has produced several notable figures across various fields, contributing significantly to their respective domains. One of the most recognized individuals is Tina Turner, an iconic American-born singer and actress, who gained fame for her dynamic performances and powerful voice, achieving immense success with hits like "What's Love Got to Do With It" and "Proud Mary." In the world of entertainment, Topher Grace, an American actor, has also made a name for himself, best known for his role as Eric Forman in That '70s Show. Lastly, in the realm of science, Richard Tapia, a Mexican-American mathematician, was recognized for his contributions to computational geometry and computer science, earning him numerous awards including the National Medal of Science. These are but a few examples of the influential individuals carrying the last name Top.

Genealogical research on the last name Top

The surname Top originates from various regions, with multiple distinct lineages. One branch is believed to have origins in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, where it was a topographic name for someone who lived on a knoll or hillock. Another lineage stems from the Baltic region, where Top can be a short form of the given names Töpfer (German for potter) or Topolski (Polish for 'from Topole,' referring to a place). In Eastern Europe, it's also a Jewish surname derived from the Yiddish word "top," meaning 'head.' Over time, individuals with the last name Top migrated and settled in various parts of the world, including America, where they made significant contributions to their respective communities.

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 : 12 June 2025

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