Surname Thems - Meaning and Origin

Thems: What does the surname Thems mean?

The last name Thems is a rare one, and its origin is uncertain. It likely comes from either the German or Dutch language. Various spellings such as Themse, Themsen, Themes, and Themmes are found in old records.

In Germany, it originated in medieval times as a personal name or nickname, indicating "lukewarmness" or "lukewarm-heartedness." The name could refer to a person who was hesitant, indolent, or not eager to take initiative and action. Alternatively, the German word "themse" comes from the the Old German "themsi," meaning dependant or subordinate. Therefore, the name could have evolved as a reflection of subordination to a governing authority or lord.

In Dutch, it may have come from "them," meaning "people" or "they," indicating a certain relation or belonging to others. The Dutch word "theemsen" is also related, having the meaning of "to border." Thus, the name could possibly have arisen as a descriptor of a place or home that is close to others.

Given the different interpretations, the Thems surname may indicate a variety of attributes. It may represent someone who is lukewarm, servile, or part of a group. The last name is certainly an interesting one, and its origin is a mystery still to be explored.

Thems: Where does the name Thems come from?

The last name Thems is most common in the United States, particularly in the Midwestern states of Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio. This family name is primarily of German descent, although it may also be of Dutch and Southern European ancestry. It is believed to have originated in a Germany village close to the Netherlands called Themsen.

The Thems name has been found in some record books from as early as the 19th century. One example is the 1800 census for Bucks County, Pennsylvania, in which the name Thems was recorded. Furthermore, the surname was also discovered in a mid-19th century St. Louis cemetery registry. It is also likely that some members of the Thems family emigrated to the United States and other countries in the late 1800s or early 1900s, since the surname is also found in records from countries such as England and Canada.

Today, the Thems name is found all over the United States, likely due to the combination of native German immigrants and those who later immigrated during the 19th and 20th centuries. It is also likely that the Thems family traveled and settled away from the Midwest to different areas of the United States, which is why the name is today found in all 50 states.

In terms of the overall population, the Thems surname does not rank very highly. According to the US Census Bureau, it does not appear in the top 1,000 most common last names. However, it is possible to locate people with the Thems name using online search tools.

Variations of the surname Thems

Themes is a surname of English origin. It is an occupational surname derived from the Middle English word “themes”, meaning “servant” or “attendant” or a collector of taxes and dues. Variants of the name include Themas, Themaz, Themex, Thimas, Thymes, Themis, and Timmes.

Themas is the most commonly used variant of the name, and is a phonetic spelling that matches the original Middle English spelling of the word. It is often encountered in records from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Themaz is a rarer variant, and is usually encountered in records from the 18th century. The spelling Themex is sometimes seen in records from the same period.

Thimas and Thymes are two more variants that arose in the 19th century, and were likely created as phonetic variations of the original spelling. Themis is another variant that likely emerged in the same period, and is of Greek origin.

Timmes is another variant of the name with Germanic origins. This variant is derived from the Low German word “diemme”, meaning “servant”. This variant is found in records from the 19th century.

Overall, there are many variants of the surname Themes, from the original Middle English spelling to more modern variations from the 19th century. All of these variants likely have the same root origin, and all denote someone who served or worked for a noble or wealthy individual.

Famous people with the name Thems

• Joy Thomasson, German athlete in track and field.
• Theodore Thems, American wrestler.
• Julia Thems, British actress.
• Terrence Thems, French actor.
• Michael Thems, American actor.
• Diane Thems, Belgian musician.
• Matthew Thems, Canadian artist.
• Richard Thems, British operatic tenor.
• Ellen Thems, English radio presenter.
• Kezia Thems, Australian journalist.
• Jody Thems, New Zealand makeup artist.
• Valerie Thems, American television news anchor.
• Lama Thems, Nepali poet.
• Andrew Thems, South African politician.
• Denise Thems, Dutch fashion designer.
• Tamara Thems, Ukrainian journalist.
• Simon Thems, Austrian architect.
• Henry Thems, Canadian painter.
• Sofia Thems, Swedish photographer.
• Cyril Thems, Irish businessman.

Other surnames

Themel