THORNDYKE
Thorndyke
Thorndyke is a British surname of English origin, derived from the Old English words "thorn," meaning a thorn bush or hedge, and "díc," meaning a ditch or dike. The name likely originated as a locational surname for someone who lived near a thorny dike or hedge.
The Thorndyke surname has been recorded in various forms throughout history, including Thornedike, Thornedyke, Thornedick, and Thornedic. Variants of the name can be found in different regions of England, with concentrations in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and East Anglia.
Notable individuals bearing the Thorndyke surname include fictional characters like Dr. John Dolittle from Hugh Lofting's series of children's novels, who bore the full name of Dr. John Dolittle, M.D., T.D., D.S.O., F.R.C.S. Music lovers may also recognise the name from the song "Thorndyke Special" by the jazz group Asleep at the Wheel.
Throughout history, the Thorndyke surname has been associated with individuals who are resourceful, resilient, and community-minded. This noble lineage continues to be celebrated and carried on by descendants of the Thorndyke family across the United Kingdom and beyond.
There are approximately 428 people named Thorndyke in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around seven in a million people in Britain are named Thorndyke.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
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
- Alan
- Andrew
- Daniel
- David
- Eric
- Ian
- James
- John
- Mark
- Martin
- Michael
- Richard
- Stephen
Female
- Anne
- Barbara
- Claire
- Clare
- Emma
- Helen
- Jean
- Karen
- Nicola
- Sharon
- Susan
- Suzanne
- Valerie
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.