THORNHILL
Thornhill
Thornhill is an English habitational surname derived from various places called Thornhill in England, noted for being situated on a hill covered with thorn bushes or trees. The surname is predominantly of Anglo-Saxon origin and is widespread in the United Kingdom.
Origin
The English surname Thornhill is locational, originating from several villages and parishes in England named Thornhill. These places are primarily located in the counties of West Yorkshire, Derbyshire, and Suffolk. The name "Thornhill" itself derives from Old English, where "thorn" refers to the thorn bush or tree, and "hill" signifies a hill or elevated piece of land.
Distribution and Popularity
The surname Thornhill is scattered throughout England, with the highest concentration found in regions where the eponymous place names exist. Over time, Thornhill has spread to other parts of the United Kingdom and the world through migration and familial connections.
Notable Individuals
- Sir James Thornhill (1676–1734): A prominent English painter, known for his decorative works in various British buildings, including the Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich.
- Susanna Thornhill (fl. 1772–1838): An English travel writer and adventurer who penned her experiences in the Middle East and Russia during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Cultural Significance
The Thornhill surname embodies the English landscape, reflecting the natural features and environment of the places where the original families resided. It connects individuals to their ancestral roots and often evokes images of rural English countryside.
In contemporary society, individuals with the surname Thornhill continue to celebrate their heritage through family gatherings, genealogical research, and cultural events. The name serves as a reminder of England's rich history and the enduring legacy of families bearing the Thornhill surname.
There are approximately 4,041 people named Thornhill in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,314th most common surname in Britain. Around 62 in a million people in Britain are named Thornhill.
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
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Alison
- Barbara
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Janet
- Joanne
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.