Last Name Tripp

The surname "Tripp" is of English and French origin. It is a variant of the name Trippe, which was an occupational name for a maker or seller of trips, a type of wooden framework used as a base for traps in hunting. In Old French, the word for trap was "trappe," which evolved into "trip" in Middle English. The surname could also have been a topographic name for someone who lived by a narrow strip of land or woodland, from the Old English "tripec," meaning "narrow strip." Another possible origin is from the French word "triper," meaning to hang or stretch out, possibly referring to a person who had the occupation of stretching cloth. As with many surnames, the exact origin can vary based on region and family history.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tripp

The meaning and origin of the last name Tripp

The surname Tripp is an anglicized form of several Old Norse and Old English names, with roots tracing back to the Viking and Anglo-Saxon eras. One possible origin is from the Old Norse name "Þrippr," which means "three," reflecting a connection to a family of three brothers or perhaps a warrior with three weapons. Another source suggests it could originate from the Old English word "tripe," meaning 'triplet' or 'threepenny coin.' The name may also have been a locational surname derived from places in England called Trip, which were named for their triangular shape. Over time, variations of this surname spread across Europe and the Americas as families migrated and assimilated with other cultures. Today, it is a relatively common surname in various parts of the English-speaking world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tripp

The surname Tripp is predominantly found in regions with historical English influence, particularly in England and the United States. In England, the highest concentration can be traced to counties such as Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, and Dorset, areas that have seen significant Norman influence. In the United States, the distribution of the Tripp surname is widespread, with notable concentrations in states like Texas, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and Missouri. The name's dispersal across these states may be attributed to English migration during the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly following the American Revolution. Smaller populations of people bearing the Tripp surname can also be found in countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa, often as a result of British colonial expansion.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tripp

The surname Tripp has various spellings and variations. Some of these include Trippe, Trapp, Trappes, Trappa, Trappi, Tripps, Trippes, Tripe, and Trippey. These variants are mostly derived from different regional pronunciations or spelling modifications over time. The name is of Old English origin, likely derived from the word "tripe" meaning 'three-peaked' or 'three-pointed', in reference to a topographical feature. It could also be a metonymic occupational name for a maker of three-peaked structures, such as a roof thatch or a tent. The name may have been brought to England by the Normans from France, where it was derived from the French word "triper", meaning 'to trap' or 'snare'.

Famous people with the last name Tripp

Notable individuals with the surname Tripp include:

1. Ann Tripp, an American actress who gained fame for her role as Jody in the television series "Gunsmoke".
2. Dana Tripp, an American musician and singer-songwriter, known for her work in the punk rock scene.
3. Elizabeth Ann Seton Tripp, an American author and educator, notable for being a cousin of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first native-born American to be canonized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church.
4. Robert Tripp, a British economist and statistician, known for his contributions in the field of demography and population studies.
5. Susan Tripp Pollard, an American author and artist, best known for her historical novels set in the American South.
6. Thomas "Tip" Tripp, Jr., an American politician who served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia.
7. Toni Tripp-Phipps, a British actress and model, notable for her roles in various British television series.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields across various industries, including entertainment, literature, politics, and academia.

Genealogical research on the last name Tripp

The surname Tripp is primarily of English origin, derived from the Old Norse "trygr" meaning "thrice-worthy." It is generally believed that the first Tripps arrived in England during the Norman Conquest in 1066. One of the earliest recorded bearers of this name was Walter de Trip, who appears in historical records dating back to the early 13th century. Over time, variations such as Trapp, Trippe, and Tripps emerged due to spelling inconsistencies during the Middle Ages. The Tripp family is associated with several counties in England, particularly Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cheshire. Notable individuals with the surname Tripp include Edward Tripp, a colonial governor of Virginia in the 17th century, and Henry Tripp, an American inventor who patented the first practical rotary engine in 1864. Today, the Tripp family can be found worldwide due to migration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Tripp"
• 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 June 2025

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