Surname Tebbets - Meaning and Origin
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Tebbets: What does the surname Tebbets mean?
The last name Tebbets is an Anglo-Saxon surname derived from the Old English words “teob” and “hycg”, meaning “tea” and “hej”. As a result, it can be translated to mean “Tea-farmer” or “Tea-keeper”.
The Tebbets surname is believed to have originated in the east morning countries of England, such as Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, and Lincolnshire. It is possible the first Tebbet arrived to England during the medieval period of the Middle Ages as an immigrant with a preference for tea cultivation.
The Tebbet family dispersed as some ventured south into Essex, Kent, and London, while others spread towards the regions of Mid Wales and the Marches. The Tebbets also left behind an impression on parts of the Irish coast when some members of the family moved there.
Though most of the Tebbets have spread far and wide, there are still vestiges of the Tea-producing Tebbets found in East Anglia, the general region where it is believed the surname originated from. Nowadays, Tebbets are commonly found in countries around the world, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Order DNA origin analysisTebbets: Where does the name Tebbets come from?
The surname TEBBETS is most commonly found in the United States. According to the 1990 United States Census, this surname is distributed throughout 18 states, with the states of New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and Connecticut having the highest density of individuals with the surname.
The surname TEBBETS has its original roots in Berkshire County, England, though the specific origin of the name is somewhat unclear. It is likely that the surname TEBBETS arose from the name of an individual ancestor, rather than deriving from a toponym (a place name).
Given the part of England from which the surname originates, it is likely that the original settlers with the surname TEBBETS left England and arrived in the United States during the period of time known as the Great Migration (1620-1640). During this time, Puritan colonists from England were leaving for America in search of religious freedom. In fact, according to the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) Applicant Records, at least 1 individual with the surname TEBBETS served in a militia during the American Revolution.
Today, the surname TEBBETS can be found throughout the United States, particularly in the states of New Hampshire, Connecticut, Maine, and Massachusetts. However, despite its origins in England, the surname does not appear to be very common in either the UK or in Europe more generally.
Variations of the surname Tebbets
The Tebbet surname has many spellings and variants that can be traced back to the original English Tebbit family, which is of Norman origin.
Common spellings for the Tebbet surname include Tebbet(s), Tebbets, Tebbotts, Tebwater, Tebwell, Tebotts, Tef(f)etts, Tubbet, Tabbit, Tebets and Tebo. Variants of the same origin may include Tippetts, Tippet(s), Tibbett, Tibbotts, Tev(v)etts, Tibbotts and Tubbs.
The Tebbet surname may be of Anglo-Saxon, Norman, French or German origin. It appears to have been derived from the personal name Tibba, a pet form of Theobald. In England, Theobald was a popular Old French name, which was introduced by the Normans and absorbed into the native Anglo-Saxon culture.
The Tebbet surname may also be derived from the Middle English word “tebot” which roughly translated as “little one”. This name was likely bestowed affectionately upon the bearer in medieval England.
The Tebbet surname was first recorded in the 13th century, with John Tebbot being mentioned in the Feet of Fines for Essex in 1201. The Tebbet family was well established in England by the 15th century, with members of the family holding prominent titles and positions in society.
The Tebbet surname is also found in Scotland, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Today, the Tebbet surname is present in many countries and across the world. Despite the many spelling variations and variants of the same origin, it ultimately remains va connected through its roots.
Famous people with the name Tebbets
- Bette Tebben: Retired professional American basketball player who played for the Chicago Hustle in the Women's Professional Basketball League (WBL).
- William W. Tebbet: American author and conservationist who wrote the acclaimed book, Wild Ride: The History of American Environmentalism.
- Jacob Tebbet: Baseball pitcher who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1941 to 1946.
- Mary Tebbet: English novelist best known as the author of The Doctor Wore Steel.
- Syd Tebbet: Professional Australian rugby league player who played for the Canterbury Bulldogs.
- George Tebbett: English soccer player who played with the Middlesbrough Football Club from 1889 to 1896.
- Bill Tebbet: Canadian ice hockey player who played for The Vancouver Canucks from 1967 to 1972.
- Frank Tebbet: English actor who appeared in the films Great Expectations and The Accountant.
- Andy Tebbet: American politician and member of the Minnesota State Legislature from 1920 to 1922.
- James Tebbet: American artist and sculptor best known for his bronze busts of civil rights pioneers.