Last Name Tot

The surname "Tot" is most commonly found in the Netherlands and Flanders (Belgium). It is understood to be of Dutch origin and is derived from the Dutch word "tot," which means "until" or "up to." The surname may have originally been used as a nickname or descriptive name for someone who was seen as being "up to" a particular task or challenge. Over time, this nickname would have been passed down as a hereditary surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tot

The meaning and origin of the last name Tot

The surname Tot is of Dutch origin and is derived from the Middle Dutch word "tot" meaning "duck" or "drake." It was originally used as a nickname for someone who resembled a duck in some way, either in physical appearance or behavior. The surname could also have been occupational in nature, referring to someone who worked with or raised ducks. Variations of the surname Tot can be found across Europe, with similar surnames like Dot in French and Totti in Italian. Over time, the surname Tot may have evolved to represent a family or heritage tied to the duck symbolism, with individuals embracing and passing down an affinity for these waterfowl. Today, individuals with the surname Tot can be found worldwide, carrying on the legacy of their ancestors.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tot

The last name Tot is of Dutch origin and is found primarily in the Netherlands. It is a relatively uncommon surname, with only a few hundred individuals bearing the name. The concentration of individuals with the last name Tot is highest in the northern provinces of Friesland and Groningen, as well as in the western province of South Holland. Outside of the Netherlands, the surname Tot may also be found in neighboring countries such as Belgium and Germany, due to historical migration patterns and shared cultural ties. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Tot is localized in the Netherlands, particularly in the northern and western regions of the country, with smaller pockets of individuals with the surname scattered throughout Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tot

The last name Tot may have various spellings and variations, including Tott, Tote, Toot, Toots, Totts, Tote, and Totes. These variations could depend on the region or country of origin, as well as historical factors like immigration and language changes over time. Different spellings may also be the result of errors in records or documents. The name Tot is relatively uncommon, making it more likely to have different iterations due to its less frequent usage. Regardless of the spelling or variation, the name Tot likely has a unique and interesting history attached to it, with each version potentially offering a different glimpse into the family's heritage and background.

Famous people with the last name Tot

One famous person with the last name Tot is Bela Tot, a Hungarian footballer who played as a midfielder for the Hungarian national team and various clubs in the 1950s and 1960s. He was known for his skillful playmaking abilities and scored many crucial goals throughout his career. Another famous person with the last name Tot is Christine Tot, a German actress who has appeared in numerous films and television shows since the 1990s. She is known for her versatile acting skills and has garnered critical acclaim for her performances. Both Bela Tot and Christine Tot have made significant contributions to their respective fields and have left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.

Genealogical research on the last name Tot

The surname Tot is of Dutch origin, derived from the personal name Tott, which is a diminutive of the name Thode. The name Thode itself is a variation of the name Thiet, a Germanic name meaning "people". The Tot family likely originated in the Netherlands, but variations of the surname can also be found in other European countries such as Germany and Denmark. The Tot family may have been involved in agriculture or trade, common occupations for families in the region. The name Tot may have also been anglicized to Todd or Tott in some instances. Through genealogical research, one could trace the Tot family lineage back several generations, discovering more about their ancestral roots and the various branches of the family that may have spread out over time.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "tot"
• 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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