Surname Tonkin - Meaning and Origin

Tonkin: What does the surname Tonkin mean?

The surname Tonkin is of English origin and has its roots in the Cornwall region of England. The name is believed to be locational or toponymic, meaning it originated from a specific geographic location. More specifically, the surname Tonkin is believed to derive from a place known as Tonkin or Tonkyn in Cornwall.

In the Old Cornish language, the word 'tonkyn' can be broken down into 'ton' or 'tun' meaning 'a hill' or 'a homestead', and 'kyn' meaning 'a hill'. Thus, the surname could represent a Cornish family inhabited or owned lands on or near a hill.

However, another interpretation suggests that 'Tonkin’ could be derived from Breton 'tanquyn', which means 'fire dog'. It was taken to mean 'slow burner or warrior' and may have been used to describe an inhabitant's character or occupation. Please note it's often difficult to determine the exact origins and meanings of surnames due to changes in language and spelling over centuries.

Tonkin: Where does the name Tonkin come from?

The surname Tonkin is believed to be of Old English origin, first recorded in the United Kingdom in the mid-19th century. However, today it is more typically found in Australia, where it is most common in the New South Wales and Queensland regions. Within New South Wales, it is mostly concentrated in the Sydney metropolitan area.

Historically, the name has primarily been an occupational name for a tin worker. Over time, it has gradually become more recognisable as a surname. It is typically spelled "Tongan" or "Tongue" in English-speaking countries outside of Australia.

The name is quite rare in other parts of the world. It appears in the United States Census records, yet very few individuals have it as their current surname. However, it is also present in countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, although it is much less common in those countries.

The name Tonkin in its many forms appears to originate from counties in Cornwall, Devon, and Somerset in the south-west of England. Many of the earliest references to the name are found in those counties’ parish records. It is believed that some of the earliest people to carry the name may have migrated from the south of England to Australia, shortly after the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788.

Variations of the surname Tonkin

The surname Tonkin is a common last name that has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common variation of the surname Tonkin is Tonkins, however other variations can include Tolken, Towken, and Token.

Tonkin is a surname of Old French origin, derived from a place-name near Orléans, France. The name is derived from the words "ton" and "kin," which together mean "little hill."

In England, the name Tonkin can be spelled as Tonken, Tonkins, Towken, Token, Tollken, or Touken. In Ireland, the name can be spelled as Tonican, Tonnigan, Tonerken, Tunican, or Tunican.

In Scotland, variants of the surname Tonkin include Tonachan, Tonoenix, Thonash, Thonnginis, and Thonnichine. In Italy, the name may be spelled as Tonichino, Tonico, Tonigini, and Tonono.

Other spelling variations of the surname Tonkin may be found in other countries, including Tonikin (Germany), Tonchin (Finland or Sweden), Tungkin (Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Lithuania), Tynkina (Poland), and Thónkina (Hungary).

The Tonkin surname is popular worldwide, however the frequency of its usage differs from country to country. In the United States of America, Tonkin is currently the 6,750th most common surname overall.

Famous people with the name Tonkin

• Phoebe Tonkin: Australian actress, known for roles in The Secret Circle, The Originals, and 90210.
• Phoebe Jane Elizabeth Tonkin: Australian model.
• Sam Tonkin: English rugby union player.
• Harry Tonkin: Australian actor.
• George Tonkin: Australian rower.
• Clarry Tonkin: Australian footballer.
• Peter Tonkin: Australian rules footballer.
• Merv Tonkin: Australian rules footballer.
• Edward Tonkin: English politician.
• Henry Tonkin: English carpenter and trade unionist.
• Arthur Tonkin: English Labour Party politician.
• Kimberley Tonkin: Australian swimmer.
• Hugh Tonkin: Australian rules footballer.
• John Tonkin: Australian politician.
• Glynn Tonkin: Australian rules footballer.
• John Tonkin: British Liberal Party politician.
• Doug Tonkin: Australian politician.
• Jack Tonkin: Australian rules footballer.
• Dick Tonkin: Australian rules footballer.
• Francis Tonkin: British trade unionist.

Other surnames

Tonkins