Tancred

Tancred is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old Norse name "Þórkátr," which means "Thor's vessel" or "Thor's cup-bearer." The surname Tancred has been recorded in various forms over the centuries, including Tancredi, Tancredo, and Tancrède.

Origins:

The Tancred surname is believed to have been brought to England during the Norman Conquest of 1066 by followers of William the Conqueror. The name has historical connections to Norman nobility and Greek crusaders, particularly associated with Tancred of Hauteville, a prominent military leader during the First Crusade.

Notable People:

1. Tancred I of Sicily (1074–1112): Tancred I was a Norman nobleman who became the Prince of Galilee and regent of the Principality of Antioch. He played a significant role in the early Crusades.

2. Tancred Robinson (1835–1884): A British painter known for his landscape and genre paintings during the Victorian era.

3. Elizabeth Tancred (b. 1979): British author known for her works in the mystery and thriller genres.

Distribution:

The Tancred surname is relatively rare in the United Kingdom, with most bearers found in specific regions such as Yorkshire and Lancashire. The name has also been documented in Australia and New Zealand, reflecting British migration patterns.

Variants:

The Tancred surname has several variants, including Tancredi, Tancredo, Tancrède, and Tankred, reflecting the diverse linguistic influences on the name over the centuries.

Crest and Coat of Arms:

The Tancred family crest typically features symbols associated with nobility and heraldry, such as lions, crosses, or crowns. The coat of arms may vary depending on the specific branch of the family.

In conclusion, the Tancred surname has a rich historical background with connections to Norman heritage, crusaders, and British nobility. Despite being a relatively uncommon surname, Tancred has left its mark on various historical and cultural contexts.

There are approximately 140 people named Tancred in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Tancred.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Christopher
  • David
  • Geoffrey
  • John
  • Ken
  • Matthew
  • Patrick
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Andrea
  • Emma
  • Jacqueline
  • Joanna
  • Julie
  • Nicola
  • Rebecca
  • Sadika
  • Sandra
  • Tania

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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