TARN

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Tarn

The surname Tarn has its origins in the British Isles, deriving from the Old English word "tærn" which referred to a small lake or pool of standing water. The name likely signified someone who lived near or worked by such a body of water, or even described a local geographic feature.

The Tarn surname is believed to have been first established in various regions of England, especially in areas where lakes or tarns were common, such as the Lake District in Cumbria. Over time, families bearing the Tarn name dispersed to different parts of the country and beyond, contributing to its spread and diversification.

As with many surnames, variations in spelling have emerged over the centuries, including Tarn, Tarnes, Tarns, and Tarnal, among others. The Tarn surname has been passed down through generations, forming distinct family lines with unique histories and traditions.

Today, individuals bearing the surname Tarn can be found across the United Kingdom and in other parts of the world where British descendants have settled. The name carries with it a connection to the landscape and history of England, embodying the legacy of those who bore the Tarn surname through the ages.

There are approximately 593 people named Tarn in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around nine in a million people in Britain are named Tarn.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

Alan
Andrew
Christopher
David
Jeremy
John
Keith
Michael
Peter
Robert
Ronald
Stephen
Thomas

Female

Alison
Elizabeth
Julie
Karen
Kl
Laura
Margaret
Patricia
Sarah
Shirley
Susan

Similar and related surnames

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