TILNEY

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

Tilney

Origin and Meaning

Tilney is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Tunlea". The name signifies a person who lived near an enclosed piece of land.

History

The Tilney surname has been documented in England for centuries. The earliest recorded instance of the name dates back to the 13th century in Norfolk, where the Tilney family held lands.

The Tilney family has historical significance, with notable members including Sir Philip Tilney, a prominent knight who served under King Henry IV. The family's association with royalty and nobility contributed to the surname's prestige in British society.

Variants

Variants of the Tilney surname include Tylney and Tylney-Long.

Distribution

The Tilney surname is relatively rare today, with most occurrences found in England, particularly in Norfolk and Suffolk.

Famous Bearers

Sir Philip Tilney: A knight who served under King Henry IV.
Frederick Tilney: A renowned historian and author, known for his works on British medieval history.
Emily Tilney: An influential suffragette and advocate for women's rights in the early 20th century.

Legacy

The Tilney surname continues to be carried by descendants of the historic Tilney family, preserving a connection to England's medieval past and the aristocratic traditions that defined the family's legacy.

There are approximately 450 people named Tilney in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around seven in a million people in Britain are named Tilney.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

Alan
Andrew
Antony
Brett
David
Ian
John
Mark
Michael
Philip
Richard
Robert
Stephen
Trevor

Female

Amanda
Christine
Dorothy
Emma
Karen
Margaret
Mary
Nicola
Susan
Victoria

Similar and related surnames

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