Surname Tally - Meaning and Origin
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Tally: What does the surname Tally mean?
The surname Tally is of English origin, originating from the Old French word "taillie," which means "a cut piece or section." It is believed to be derived from the medieval profession where a person named a "tallyman" recorded or marked sticks or notches as a way of counting or keeping score, indicating a profession related to accounting or bookkeeping. Essentially, early bearers of the surname Tally may have been accountants or score-keepers.
Another theory suggests that it may have originally been a nickname referring to someone who was tall or long-legged, derived from an old English term "tallie" meaning tall. In Ireland, Tally is often found as an anglicized form of the Gaelic surname ó Taithligh meaning descendant of Taithleach, implying a peaceful or quiet ancestor.
Overall, the surname Tally highlights the interesting aspects of historical linguistics and genealogy, and how names could be derived from occupations, descriptions, or ancestors.
Order DNA origin analysisTally: Where does the name Tally come from?
The last name Tally is most commonly found in the United States, Australia, England, Scotland, Canada, and Ireland. In the United States, the surname is most popular in the states of Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and Tennessee.
In England, Tally is most commonly found in the counties of Bedfordshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Norfolk, and Warwickshire. In Australia, the surname is concentrated in the state of New South Wales, particularly in the area of Greater Sydney.
In Scotland, the name is most frequent in the area of Angus and surrounding counties. In Canada, the name is most common in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia, with some presence in Alberta, Quebec, and the Prairies.
Lastly, in Ireland, the surname is especially frequent in the Republic of Ireland, especially in the counties of Cork and Dublin. It is also quite common in Northern Ireland.
Overall, Tally is a relatively uncommon last name, but it is still widespread enough to be found in many countries and regions around the world.
Variations of the surname Tally
The surname Tally is most likely derived from the Middle English, Old French and Old German terms for "tailor." The medieval Latin term taliator, meaning "a cutter or tailor," may also have contributed to its origin. It can also be found in early biblical references as the name Talia.
Variants of the surname include Tailor, Tailer, Talier, Talear, Taliar, Tayler, Taylour, Tayllar, Tailar, Taleor, Tayloe, Tales, Tale, Taler, Tayor, Taliour and Talliar. Variants from other languages include Tallier (French), Taller (German), Tallor (Irish), Tallero (Spanish), Taliere (Italian) and Taljore (Scandinavian).
The various spellings of the surname often reflect regional dialects in different countries. A common variant seen in Ireland is Tailor, whereas in Scotland Taylour and Taleor are used more frequently. Additionally, similar surnames such as Taller and Taler are derived from the same root.
In addition to the variants discussed above, the surname Tally also has derivative alternative surnames, such as Tallish, Tallon, Talman, Tallerman and Talley. These variants are found mainly in the United States.
Finally, some of the most common surnames related to Tally are Tailleur, Tallyman, Taillure, Taillefer, Taleff, Talheim, Talebacher and Talleyman.
Famous people with the name Tally
- Shana Tally: actress, singer, and songwriter
- Sir Edmund Tally: English political activist
- Stephen Tally: American film producer
- Jacob Tally: American country music singer
- Brett Tally: American actor and director
- Derek Tally: former NFL player
- Lynda Tally-Carter: American college basketball coach
- Emma Tally: American actress
- Enzo Tally: American professional BMX cyclist
- Chris Tally: English actor