Last Name Tulane

The surname Tulane does not have a straightforward etymology that is universally accepted among heraldry experts and historians. However, there are several theories about its possible origins. One theory suggests that the name might be of Norman origin, derived from the town of Tholomnes in France. The name was originally spelled "de Thoulomnis" or "de Thoulomne," which over time evolved into Tulane in England and later in America. Another theory suggests a possible connection to the town of Tulle in central France, which was known as Tolosa during the Roman occupation. In the United States, the name is most notably associated with Tulane University, a private research university located in New Orleans, Louisiana. The school's founder, Paul Tulane, was not originally from France but instead hailed from Maryland. However, he changed his family name from "Tufton" to "Tulane" as a tribute to his French wife and the city of New Orleans. It is essential to note that surnames often undergo changes due to various factors such as spelling variations, geographical influences, and cultural adaptations during their transmission through generations, making it challenging to pinpoint exact origins for many last names.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Tulane

The surname Tulane is believed to have originated from various sources, primarily French and Dutch. In French, "Tulane" can be derived from the word "tule", meaning rush or tule grass, a common plant found in marshy areas. It's possible that this name was given as a topographic surname to someone who lived near a marsh or area abundant with tule plants. Alternatively, in Dutch, "Tulane" can be traced back to the word "tuloen," meaning a low-lying, marshy land. This could suggest that the name was given due to geographical location or physical features associated with the region where the bearer of this surname resided. Over time, the spelling has evolved and been Anglicized, leading to various forms such as Toulan, Tolan, and Tolnay in different parts of the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tulane

The Tulane surname exhibits notable geographic distribution, with its origins primarily traced to France, particularly Normandy and Brittany regions. Over time, it has been carried by French-speaking settlers to various countries, especially the United States, Canada, and other former French colonies like Haiti and Louisiana. In the United States, the highest concentration of Tulane families is in Louisiana, reflecting the name's historical association with the University of New Orleans named after the Tulane plantation. The surname can also be found in significant numbers across various U.S. states, such as Texas, California, and Florida, reflecting broader migrations from French Canada and France. In Canada, Quebec and Ontario have the highest occurrences of Tulane families, with smaller populations in other provinces. Globally, the surname is less common but can be found in countries that have had significant French immigration or colonization.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tulane

The surname Tulane has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and regional pronunciation over time. Some common variations include Toulan, Toulen, Toelane, and Toelan. These variations may originate from changes in spelling conventions or phonetic adaptations during migration. The name is of French origin, derived from places named Toulan or Toulon, located in France. It could also be a variant of Tolain, an Old French occupational name for someone who worked as a potter, derived from the Old French word "tol" meaning pot or cauldron. Another possible origin is from the Norman-French name Touland, which meant "place of holly trees." Despite these variations, the primary spelling in modern usage is Tulane, and it is often associated with Tulane University, a renowned private research university located in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States.

Famous people with the last name Tulane

The Tulane family is not particularly known for having many famous members with the last name "Tulane" in the public eye. However, one notable individual associated with the name is William Seward Tulane (1835-1904), an American businessman and philanthropist. He amassed a considerable fortune as a cotton broker in New York City, which he later used to found Tulane University in New Orleans in 1884. The university's primary campus is named after him and his wife, Pauline Gertrude Gilbert Tulane. Additionally, there have been some lesser-known figures in the fields of art, music, and sports who bear the Tulane surname, but they are not widely recognized as being part of a prominent family lineage.

Genealogical research on the last name Tulane

The Tulane surname is of French origin, specifically from the region of Normandy, and is derived from various places named Tulle or Toulan. The Norman conquest of England in 1066 led to an influx of people bearing this name. In England, the earliest record of the name can be traced back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as de Tulun and Tuolan. Some famous bearers of the name include Jacques Ameli Tulane, a French naval officer during the Napoleonic Wars, and Joseph Tulane, an American merchant and philanthropist, for whom Tulane University in New Orleans is named. The family also has notable presence in Louisiana, where they arrived in the late 18th century as Acadian exiles, known as Cajuns.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "tulane"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

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