Surname Thorkyngton - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'T'
Thorkyngton: What does the surname Thorkyngton mean?
The last name Thorkyngton is an old Anglo-Saxon surname that dates back to the 11th century. The name is derived from the Old English words “þearc” and “ing”, which were originally used to describe a difficult or laborious place. As such, the surname Thorkyngton likely originated as a topographic name, referring to somebody living in or near a particularly difficult or strenuous land.
Over time, the name began to be associated with certain noble families in England. By the late Middle Ages, Thorkyngton had become a hereditary surname, passed down through generations. The Thorkyngton family established itself through successful business ventures, as well as through service to the Crown. The family was later granted numerous lands and titles, solidifying its place within the English aristocracy.
Today, the surname Thorkyngton is still common in parts of England, and also appears in records of those who immigrated to the United States during the colonial period. It serves as a reminder of the family’s long and storied history, as well as of their hard work and dedication.
Order DNA origin analysisThorkyngton: Where does the name Thorkyngton come from?
The last name Thorkyngton is thought to be most common in the United Kingdom, with records indicating its presence in Yorkshire, the Midlands, and the Welsh borderlands. Possible spellings of the name in England include "Thorketon," "Thorkington," "Thorkintine," and "Thorkintone."
Historically, records show that individuals with the last name Thorkyngton were employed as tradesmen, such as blacksmiths, throughout the 12th century. This may suggest that the name derived from an occupational surname, since "Thorking" is an Old English word for metalworking.
Today, records indicate that the Thorkyngton family is scattered throughout England and Wales. This suggests that members of the family may have emigrated over the years through work or other circumstances. It also appears that the name is becoming less common, as indicated by the declining number of individuals bearing the surname in the most recent census in Wales.
As of today, the surname Thorkyngton is relatively rare. Though the current whereabouts of the family remains unclear, there are still historical records to be found in England and Wales. For descendants of the Thorkyngton family today, it can be helpful to trace their history and search for local records in order to further understand their place of origin.
Variations of the surname Thorkyngton
The surname Thorkyngton is derived from the Old English word “thorken”, meaning “a strong or valiant man”. It is a patronymic surname, meaning that it was originally derived from a given name. Variants of this surname include Thurkington, Thorkington, Thorkinton, Thurkington, and Thrackington.
It is likely that the surname Thorkyngton has multiple spellings because of different dialects in the United Kingdom. In English dialects, the “k” sound can often be replaced with a “c” sound. It is also possible that variations in spelling occurred due to the difficulty in accurately recording names before the invention of the printing press.
Variations in spelling have led to the development of numerous surnames derived from the same origin. Some of these include Thurston, Thurnham, Torkington, Turkington, and Torkinton.
The surname Thorkyngton can be found in many different countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It is likely that each variation of the surname has its own unique history, with families bearing the surname having migrated from different regions.
Overall, the surname Thorkyngton is derived from the Old English word for a valiant man, and has spawned a number of variants and spellings. These variations may be due to dialects or the difficulty in recording pre-print era names. Variations of the name include Thurkington, Thorkington, Thorkinton, Thurkington, Thrackington, Thurston, Thurnham, Torkington, Turkington, and Torkinton.
Famous people with the name Thorkyngton
- Joe Thorkyngton: American singer who is best known for his 1979 hit single, “Theme from Summer Memories”.
- Charles Thorkyngton: English poet who became popular in the 1970s for his poetry about love and family.
- Rhoda Thorkyngton: American playwright and film director renowned for her experimental theater works.
- George Thorkyngton: British artist who gained fame for his landscape paintings of the North Country.
- Peter Thorkyngton: English pop singer who first gained recognition with his 1977 debut album, “Joy in the Morning”.
- Sarah Thorkyngton: English painter known for her large scale, abstract paintings.
- Laura Thorkyngton: American architect whose contemporary designs are often used in museums and cultural centers.
- Ruth Thorkyngton: American author renowned for her award-winning works in nonfiction and children’s literature.
- Andrew Thorkyngton: British journalist who is best known for his coverage of the Troubles in Northern Ireland in the 1980s and 90s.
- Evelyn Thorkyngton: Canadian actor and singer who had successful solo albums in the 1990s.