Tankard

The surname Tankard is of English origin and is occupational in nature, derived from the Middle English word "tankard", which referred to a large drinking cup made of leather, staved wood, or metal, often used for serving ale or beer. The Tankard family name likely originated from individuals who were makers or sellers of such vessels in medieval England.

History and Distribution

The Tankard surname is not widely prevalent in modern Britain, but historical records suggest that it had regional concentrations in various counties across the country. The name can be traced back to early medieval periods, with documented instances in parish records, census data, and historical archives.

Notable Individuals

While the surname Tankard may not be associated with prominent figures in British history, individuals bearing this name have likely played significant roles within their communities or professions. Research into local archives and genealogical records may reveal further insights into notable Tankard family members.

Variants and Derivatives

Variants of the Tankard surname may exist due to linguistic changes, dialectal variations, and clerical errors in historical documents. These variations could include spellings such as Tankerd, Tankart, or Tancred. Researchers may encounter such variants when delving into genealogical records.

In conclusion, the Tankard surname, with its roots in the medieval English tradition of cup-making, represents a distinctive occupational name that reflects a historical connection to craftsmanship and trade practices in Britain. While not among the most common surnames today, the Tankard name carries with it a legacy of skilled artisans and tradespeople from the past.

There are approximately 730 people named Tankard in the UK. That makes it roughly the 9,385th most common surname in Britain. Around 11 in a million people in Britain are named Tankard.

Surname type: Occupational name

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Christopher
  • David
  • Ian
  • John
  • Julian
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • William

Female

  • Amanda
  • Ann
  • Catherine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Janet
  • Jean
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Victoria

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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