Tangye

Tangye is a surname of Cornish origin, derived from the Old Cornish word "ten haies", meaning "at the hedges". The Tangye family is believed to have originated from the region of Cornwall in South West England.

The most notable figure associated with the Tangye surname is Sir Richard Tangye (1833–1906), a British industrialist and philanthropist. He was a pioneering engineer, inventor, and businessman, known for his innovative contributions to the industrial revolution in the 19th century. Sir Richard Tangye co-founded the Tangye Brothers engineering firm, which specialised in manufacturing hydraulic machinery and tools.

The Tangye family crest features a red shield with a gold lion rampant, symbolising courage and strength. The crest also includes three silver escallop shells, representing pilgrimage or a sea voyage, which may indicate a seafaring background for the family.

Today, the Tangye surname is relatively rare but is still present in various parts of the United Kingdom and beyond. It carries a legacy of innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly associated with the industrial heritage of Cornwall and the wider British Isles.

There are approximately 90 people named Tangye in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named Tangye.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Hugh
  • Robert

Female

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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