Surname Tonkins - Meaning and Origin

Tonkins: What does the surname Tonkins mean?

The surname Tonkins is of English origin. It is a patronymic name derived from the personal name Tom, a diminutive form of Thomas, essentially meaning "son of Tom." The "-kins" suffix is a diminutive form that denotes "little," suggesting a sense of endearment. Therefore, the literal translation of the surname Tonkins would be "little son of Tom" or "beloved son of Tom." Like many surnames tracing back to medieval England, it was likely used to help identify individuals by their parental lineage. While the name is predominantly found in England and other English-speaking countries, variations of the surname may exist in different countries due to migration and anglicization. Despite its roots, the meaning of the name does not necessarily bear any significant contemporary implications for those bearing the surname today. Personal names and their derived surnames often were chosen to reflect common elements of daily life, religious beliefs, or familial relationships during the era and location they were formed. As such, the historical connection adds an interesting dimension to family histories.

Tonkins: Where does the name Tonkins come from?

The last name Tonkins is most common today in the United Kingdom, particularly in England. It originated in the early 1300s and is of English origin. It is believed to have originated from the place name ‘Tonkin’ in Cornwall, however there are other theories about its origin. Early records of the last name was found in Lancashire, where it was first recorded as Tonken in the year 1221. Later, the spelling was changed to Tonkin and Tonkins over the years.

Today, Tonkins is most popular in the South East of England, particularly around London, Hampshire, and Sussex. The last name is also becoming more and more popular in other English counties such as Surrey, Kent, and Bedfordshire. Records indicate that the last name is quite uncommon outside of England. There is evidence of some Tonkins families in Northern Ireland, however this is a very small population.

In recent years, migration has meant that families with the last name Tonkins have spread all over the UK and other countries. Immigration to the United States, Canada, and Australia has created some pockets of Tonkins in these countries, but the home of the last name remains firmly in England.

Variations of the surname Tonkins

The Tonkins surname is likely to originate from the village of Tonkin in Cornwall, England. Thus, some variants of the surname Tonkins include Tonkin, Tonkins, Tonkins Cornish, and Tinkens. Spelling variations of Tonkins include Tonken, Tinckin, Tonkinne, Tonkinge, Tynkyne, Tynkyns, Tinkins, Tynkens, Tinckens, Tinkins Cornish, Tinckins Cornish, and Tinckings Cornish.

Other surnames of similar origin include Tunnicliffe, Tunye, Tunny, Tunoli, Tonna, Tunnycliffe, Tunicliff, Tunney, Tonny, Toinay, Toiniol, Toney, Toonie, Tunnie, Tounay, Toiniom, Toine, Torge, and Tornar.

In addition to the Cornwall origin, the Tonkins surname may originate from the West Midlands in England with variations such as Tonkin, Tunniclit, Tunniclif, Tunkeys, Tonkey, Tonchay, Tunichiffe, Tonkit, Tunnick, and Tuniclieff. Common variants in Ireland include Tinkin, Tinhine, Tinhin, Tynhin, Tenkins, Tinlink, Tenkin, and Tynkin.

The derived forms of Tonkins in other countries include Tenico in Spain, Talancanny, Tanicloff, Telan, and Tanico in Italy, Tonquin in Canada, and Tonkin, Tunku, and Tanqu in West India.

Famous people with the name Tonkins

• Jeremy Tonkins: Former professional athlete and Paralympics athlete who represented Britain in alpine skiing and hand cycling.
• Rebecca Tonkins: Australian professional squash player, currently ranked as world number 56.
• Ryan Tonkins: Professional British stuntman, actor, and stunt coordinator specializing in action sequences.
• Robert Tonkins: British radio personality, DJ, and presenter, working at BBC Radio London.
• Susan Tonkins: American film producer, Emmy nominee for her work on The Follow-up.
• Selena Tonkins: Professional American actress, known for her role as Cece in the television series Glee.
• Alice Tonkins: Award-winning British vocal artist and songwriter, specializing in acoustic-folk and soul music.
• Tom Tonkins: English professional cricket player, currently part of the Gloucestershire team.
• Kate Tonkins: American fashion and beauty blogger and influencer, running her own blog Kate in the City.
• John Tonkins: Australian-born television actor, most recently seen in the ABC series Rake.

Other surnames

Tonkin

Comments or additions to the name "Tonkins"

27.03.2024
Thomas Charles Tonkins originally from Leamington Spa England, son of Thomas Moore Tonkins. I worked in Asia for 6 years, living in Hong Kong Indonesia and Singapore. Now residing in the United States of America.