Tonks

Tonks is a British surname of Anglo-Saxon origin. The name is derived from the Old English word "tun," meaning "enclosure" or "settlement," and "oc," which relates to a personal name. Therefore, Tonks likely signifies a person residing near a farm or settlement associated with someone named 'Ton.'

Origins

The surname Tonks can be traced back to the early medieval period in England. It was mainly found in the Midlands region, particularly in Staffordshire and Warwickshire.

Notable Individuals

One prominent figure with the surname Tonks is Henry Tonks (1862-1937), a British surgeon and artist known for his significant contributions to medicine and his paintings. He played a key role in establishing the modern medical illustration field.

Present Day

In contemporary times, the surname Tonks is relatively rare but continues to exist. Individuals with this surname can be found across the United Kingdom and in some English-speaking countries beyond.

Variants

Variants of the surname Tonks include Tonkes, Tonke, and Tonckes.

In conclusion, the surname Tonks has a rich history rooted in the English landscape and personal nomenclature. Its usage may be less widespread today, but it remains a part of Britain's diverse heritage.

There are approximately 4,771 people named Tonks in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,976th most common surname in Britain. Around 73 in a million people in Britain are named Tonks.

Surname type: From name of parent

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
  • David
  • John
  • Michael
  • Neil
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Claire
  • Joanne
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Kay
  • Lisa
  • Louise
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

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

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