Tongue

Tongue is a surname of English origin, found primarily in the United Kingdom. The etymology of the surname is derived from the Old English word "tunge," meaning "tongue," and was likely used as a nickname for someone who was talkative, eloquent, or who had a distinctive way of speaking.

Origins:

The surname Tongue can be traced back to medieval England, where it was first recorded in written documents. Variants of the surname include Tung, Tunge, and Tong, reflecting the different ways in which the name was spelled over time.

Distribution:

Today, the surname Tongue is found predominantly in England and Scotland, with some presence in other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. The highest concentration of individuals with the surname Tongue can be found in regions of northern England and Scotland.

Notable Individuals:

  • John Tongue: A prominent British linguist known for his research on historical dialects.
  • Rebecca Tongue: An acclaimed novelist from England, known for her works on social commentary.

Coat of Arms:

The Tongue family coat of arms features a shield with symbols representing knowledge and eloquence, such as an open book or a stylized tongue. The crest may include a figure of a scholar or a stylized representation of a mouth or a tongue.

In conclusion, the surname Tongue has a rich history in British culture, with roots in medieval England and associations with qualities such as speech, intelligence, and communication. Today, individuals bearing the surname Tongue continue to contribute to various fields of endeavour, carrying on the legacy of their ancestors.

There are approximately 1,564 people named Tongue in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,188th most common surname in Britain. Around 24 in a million people in Britain are named Tongue.

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

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • William

Female

  • Alison
  • Charlotte
  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Michelle
  • Nicola
  • Rachel
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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