Surname Thorpe - Meaning and Origin

Unveiling my Scandinavian Roots: A Deep Dive into the Thorpe Surname Through iGENEA DNA Analysis

Drawn to iGENEA's DNA analysis to unravel secrets behind my family name, Thorpe, I started an immersive genetic journey. I unearthed my deeply embedded Scandinavian origins and mirrored historical Viking settlements in England. The test not only connected me to my rich heritage but other Thorpe relatives, enlivening my personal history and lineage.

T. Thorpe

Thorpe: What does the surname Thorpe mean?

The last name Thorpe is of English and Scandinavian origin, derived from an Old Norse word, "þorp", and Old English word, "thorp" both meaning "village" or "hamlet". Hence, the surname initially could have been used to denote a person residing in or coming from a small village or settlement. The name is particularly prominent in the East and North of England, which were heavily influenced by Norse culture due to Viking settlements during the 8th-11th centuries. Famous people with the last name Thorpe include the Olympic swimmer Ian Thorpe and the celebrated novelist and broadcaster, Adam Thorpe. Despite its humble origins, the name now carries a notable legacy in various fields.

Thorpe: Where does the name Thorpe come from?

The last name Thorpe is a relatively common last name today and can be found in English-speaking countries around the world. It is also popular in the United States and Canada, particularly on the East Coast. The origin of the name is from Old English and probably denotes someone who lived near a thorp, which is an Old English word for a hamlet or small village.

In the United States, the Thorpe surname is most common among those of European descent, particularly in northern states like Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. It is also strongly associated with regions of Ancient Britain, with a large concentration of Thorpes found in the English counties of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

In Canada, the Thorpe name is most common in the provinces of Ontario and Nova Scotia, especially in cities like Toronto, Ottawa, Halifax, and Charlottetown. Furthermore, the Thorpe name can also be found in South American countries like Chile and Argentina, as well as in Australia.

Overall, Thorpe is an easily recognizable and historically significant surname that still carries immense significance in communities all around the world. As a result, it is likely to continue to be an important part of many cultures and countries for generations to come.

Variations of the surname Thorpe

The surname Thorpe has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. Thorpe is derived from Old English and can be seen as a topographical or occupational surname, used to describe someone who lived by a village that had been given royal rights.

Variants of Thorpe include Tharp, Thorp, Throp, Throop, Thrupp, Thrup, Thorup, and Thoropp. The Scandinavian equivalent of Thorpe in Old Norse is Thorpi, which can be seen in both Danish and Swedish. The German version of Thorpe is Torp and the French variations include Thorez, Thoré, and Thoreau.

As it became more common to be found outside of the original regions of origin, spellings changed to reflect local dialects. Spellings of Thorpe can also be found as Thorp, Throp, Thorope, Thrupp, Thrupp and Thorpp. Surnames with similar origins to Thorpe include Thompson and Tomlinson.

The surname Thorpe is found all over the world today and is common in countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Ireland, and Scotland. Additionally, it is also a popular surname in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Germany.

Famous people with the name Thorpe

• Jim Thorpe: Jim Thorpe was an American athlete who won two gold medals in the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm, Sweden. He was also an accomplished football, basketball, and baseball player during his time. Thorpe played professional football in the National Football League in 1915 and 1916 and is still considered one of the greatest athletes of all time.
• David Thorpe: David Thorpe is an American film director and producer, best known for his documentaries on athletes such as Yao Ming and Kyrie Irving. He has directed several feature films, including the critically acclaimed Sportsology (2007) and Being John Malkovich (2016).
• Wilma Thorpe: Wilma Thorpe is an American lawyer who was the first female associate to work for an all-male law firm in 1969. She is also credited with introducing the concept of ‘breaking the law firm barrier’ and inspiring other women to follow in her footsteps.
• Owen Thorpe: Owen Thorpe is a Canadian actor and comedian who has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including Police Academy 4 (1987), Shark Attack 3 (2002), and The L Word (2004). He has also been featured in many successful stand-up comedy specials, including the ‘Just for Laughs’ comedy festival in Montreal.
• Joe Thorpe: Joe Thorpe is an English football player, playing as a forward for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Championship. He has also made appearances for both England and Great Britain, and won the PFA Young Player of the Year in 2018.
• Doc Thorpe: Doc Thorpe was a jazz alto saxophonist and flutist from Chicago. He was a staple in the city's jazz scene during the 1950s and 60s, appearing alongside such iconic musicians as Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, and Art Blakey.

Other surnames

Thorp