Surname Thoenges - Meaning and Origin
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Thoenges: What does the surname Thoenges mean?
The last name Thoenges (or Thönges) is believed to have originated from Germany and is derived from the German word for window, 'Fenster'. This indicates that the name was originally related to a profession involving windows, such as a window maker, glazier, or window repairman. Alternatively, the name might have referred to someone who lived near a window, symbolizing a person in a position of authority or power – such as a lord, landowner, or a noble.
The Thoenges surname is thought to have originated in the Rhineland-Palatinate region of Germany in the 13th century. It was common in this area to give people surnames based on their physical or vocational characteristics. Over the centuries, the population in this region spread out and eventually made its way to other parts of the world, particularly America. This explains why the last name has become increasingly common in both England and the United States.
The name Thoenges has also been known to be seen spelled out in other ways, such as Thoenge, Thonges, Thounge, and Thongus. This is likely due to the traditional German spellings of surnames being adapted to English, and vice versa.
In essence, the last name Thoenges likely originated from German and was given to individuals situated in the Rhineland-Palatinate region during the 13th century – with it being related to windows or a position of power, such as a lord or landowner. Today, this surname can be found in a plethora of countries, albeit spelled out in different ways.
Order DNA origin analysisThoenges: Where does the name Thoenges come from?
The last name Thoenges is an uncommon name in most countries today, though it is most prominent in Germany. It is thought to have originated in the Lower Saxony region of Northern Germany centuries ago. In modern times, Thoenges is still quite popular in Germany, though it is not particularly unusual or rare. It ranks in the lower quartile for consistency and frequency.
Within the greater German speaking regions, Thoenges has been spotted in Austria, Switzerland, and some regions of eastern Europe as well. In terms of the worldwide context, Thoenges is considered quite rare outside of Germany. It appears that the surname is not particularly common in North America, Australia or New Zealand, though there are some scattered mentions in certain areas. It appears that most bearers of Thoenges outside of Germany have migrated from the Lower Saxony region, bringing the name with them.
For those searching for records related to the surname Thoenges, genealogical research should begin by looking at records from Germany, particularly in the northern regions and any other German speaking areas that may have become home for Thoenges families.
Variations of the surname Thoenges
The surname Thoenges is one of a very small number of German surnames, with its roots originally stemming from the Middle Ages. The name is typically of Saxon origin, although some sources suggest that it may also have an Flemish and/or Dutch origin.
The name is thought to derive from a nickname for someone who was thought or believed to be wise or intelligent. ‘Thunges’ or ‘Thüngen’ is an old German expression for wisdom and intelligence and it is likely that the ‘Thoenges’ surname developed from this term.
There are several variants of the surname depending on the region of origin. Common variants of the surname include 'Thüngen', 'Thunges', 'Thünges', 'Thungens', 'Thüngens', 'Thünghel', 'Tunges', 'Tungens', 'Tünges', 'Tunghel', 'Tungel', and 'Tungeler'.
The surname also has a number of related surnames, which can be found throughout Europe, including: 'Thung', 'Tung', 'Tunge', 'Tunga', 'Tungas', 'Tunger', 'Tungerin', 'Tungers', 'Tungla', 'Tungal', 'TungThink', 'Tungoll', 'Tungelmann', 'Tunglass', 'Tunglas', 'Tünger', 'Tünglass', 'Tüngler', 'Tüngeler', 'Tungeleit', 'Thungelke', 'Thünger', 'Thungelke', 'Thüngeler', 'Thüngelle', 'Thüngelmann', and 'Thunglott'.
In addition, the surname has developed a number of other spellings, including 'Tönges', 'Töngen', 'Töngens', and 'Tönghel', thanks primarily to the various orthographic and pronunciation changes that have taken place over the years.
Overall, it can be seen that the surname Thoenges has a number of variants, from both its Saxon and Flemish/Dutch origins, and a whole range of other related surnames and spellings.
Famous people with the name Thoenges
- Ethan Thoenges: American writer, director, and producer
- Randall Thoenges: American artist specializing in charcoal drawings
- Ria Thoenges: grandmother and British female swimmer who won gold at the 1969 ASA Championship in the 200 m butterfly
- Bjorn Thoenges: Danish film actor
- Kristina Thoenges: Austrian fashion designer and model
- Otto Thoenges: German Automotive engineer
- André Thoenges: German Expressionist painter
- Derick Thoenges: British actor and playwright
- Elin Thoenges: Swedish fashion designer and artist
- Manuela Thoenges: German journalist, editor, and author