Telling

The surname Telling is of English origin and is derived from the medieval personal name "Telyng", a diminutive of the name "Tale" or "Tael", which in turn was a short form of various Old English personal names such as "Taelwine" and "Taelweard". The surname Telling is classified as a patronymic surname, indicating that it was originally based on the name of the father or another male ancestor.

The Telling surname is predominantly found in the southern regions of England, particularly in areas such as Devon and Somerset. The earliest recorded instances of the Telling surname date back to the medieval period, with variations in spelling including Tellin, Tailin, and Talyng.

Throughout history, bearers of the Telling surname have been involved in various occupations and professions. The name can also be found in heraldry, with coat of arms linked to individuals named Telling.

The Telling surname has seen variations in spelling over time, influenced by factors such as regional accents, illiteracy, and clerical errors. Variants of the Telling surname include Tellin, Tellen, Tellyn, and Tellings.

In contemporary times, individuals bearing the surname Telling can be found across the United Kingdom and in various parts of the world. The name continues to be passed down through generations, preserving familial connections and heritage.

Overall, the Telling surname holds a rich history, reflecting the linguistic and cultural evolution of the British Isles. Its origins can be traced back through centuries of social and historical developments, contributing to the diverse tapestry of British surnames.

There are approximately 909 people named Telling in the UK. That makes it roughly the 7,943rd most common surname in Britain. Around 14 in a million people in Britain are named Telling.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Craig
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Jon
  • Mark
  • Martin
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Steven

Female

  • Carol
  • Charlotte
  • Elizabeth
  • Joan
  • Karen
  • Lisa
  • Lucy
  • Nicola
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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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