Surname Tönns - Meaning and Origin
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Tönns: What does the surname Tönns mean?
The last name Tönns is rooted in German history and originates from the Old German, meaning "bold", "strong" or "daring". The name can also be found spelled as Töns in some German regions. It was quite common during the Middle Ages and has been used by many families since then. The name is thought to have been used as a symbol of strength and courage, and to have been bestowed to denote bravery and importance, as many bold men were given the name during wars and battles throughout the ages.
The Tönns family originally came from what is now known as Germany's Rhineland region. The first mention of the name is found in the Heidelberg region, beginning with Dr. Eberhard Tönns of Struttlebach in 1200 AD. Interestingly, records of this same family have been found in doctrinal registers from as early as 1627.
The name resonates with many German families, both in Germany and around the world. It is estimated that there are more than 5,000 people belonging to the Tönns family, most of which are located in Germany and the neighboring countries. The name has remained quite popular over the centuries and can still be found in many parts of Europe today.
Order DNA origin analysisTönns: Where does the name Tönns come from?
The surname Tönns is thought to be of German origin, and is particularly common in Germany and the surrounding countries. According to the website Forebears, it is most common in Germany, where it is ranked 4880th out of 279,999 surnames. It is also reported to be especially common in Austria, ranking 6,616th out of 88,799 surnames, and the Czech Republic where it is ranked 16,707th out of 10,086 surnames. Less common countries which list the name in their top 10,000 include Switzerland, Poland, Slovakia, Luxembourg and Croatia.
In terms of immigration, those bearing the Tönns surname are said to have spread to America and Canada in the 19th century, with the port of New York being the first introduction of the name stateside. Over time, people have spread to many parts of the US and Canada, suggesting the surname is still present even in international communities. Arnold Tönns, now living in California, is an example of such.
The exact origin of the name is uncertain due to lack of historical information, but it appears to be derived from a form of Harding, with Tonn or Ton being a variant of the name. Other contested theories suggest Tönns might be derived from the Old High German words tunich, which translates to 'nobleman', and tanne, which translates to 'pine tree', or even from the Latin word tertius meaning 'third'.
In conclusion, despite its unknown origin, the surname Tönns is most common in Germany and associated countries, whilst also being present in various other countries within Europe, America and Canada.
Variations of the surname Tönns
The surname Tönns is of Germanic origin. Various variants, spellings and surnames from the same roots can be found, mostly in modern Germany. The most common spelling of the surname is Tönns, although some variations do exist.
The simplest variation of the surname is Tonns, without the umlaut. There are also different spelling permutations, including Thonns, Thönns, Taonns, and Taönns. Surnames that are similar in sound but slightly different in spelling include Touns, Touons, Toens, Toons, and Thoens.
Many of the permutations and spellings of the surname can be found in genealogical records, going back many generations. Some variant surnames have become more popular among members of the same family, due to generations of relatives marrying others with the same surnames, leading to a larger concentration within mouth communities.
Members of the same family may also have adopted alternate surnames, such as Tonn, Tunn, Tenon, Tann, Teten, Tinnen, and Tetens. In some cases, the name may have been changed once emigrated to the United States, with the “s” changed to a “z.”
In conclusion, the surname Tönns exists in many variants, spellings, and alternate surnames, mostly in modern Germany. These variations can be found in genealogical records and among different family branches, with some variants having become more prominent within the family.
Famous people with the name Tönns
- Hans Tönns: explorer and early cartographer of the Caribbean
- Thomas Tönns: German physician and entomologist
- Heinrich Paul Tönns: German military historian
- Carl Tönns: American country singer and songwriter
- Flo Tönns: German Olympic diver
- Hugo Tönns: Dutch-American physician and early researcher on the effects of computers on medical practice
- Salvador Tönns: Swedish equestrian and early settler of Sacramento, California
- Pieter Tönns: Dutch early settler of Albany, New York
- Auguste Tönns: French professor and early member of the Paris Commune
- Milos Tönns: Austrian playwright and theater founder