Tonkins

Tonkins is a surname of English origin, believed to have medieval roots. The name is thought to have derived from the personal name "Tom," a common short form of Thomas, combined with the patronymic suffix "-kin," meaning "son of." Therefore, Tonkins roughly translates to "son of little Tom."

The Tonkins surname is concentrated in various regions across the United Kingdom, with historical records indicating a presence in counties such as Cornwall, Devon, and Somerset. Like many surnames, Tonkins may have originated as a way to distinguish individuals within a community.

Over the centuries, families with the Tonkins surname have likely been engaged in a variety of occupations and pursuits, typical of rural and urban life in England. As with many English surnames, the history and genealogy of the Tonkins family name are likely diverse and influenced by migration patterns, changes in social status, and connections to local communities.

Today, individuals with the surname Tonkins can be found around the world, with global migration patterns spreading the name beyond its British origins.

In conclusion, the surname Tonkins carries with it a rich history that reflects the interconnectedness of family, community, and personal identity, making it a significant part of the tapestry of British surnames.

There are approximately 240 people named Tonkins in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around four in a million people in Britain are named Tonkins.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • John
  • Kevin
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Robert
  • Simon
  • Stephen
  • Thomas
  • William

Female

  • Carol
  • Christine
  • Clare
  • Deborah
  • Doris
  • Elaine
  • Hannah
  • Jennifer
  • Philippa
  • Wendy

Similar and related surnames

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

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.