Surname Theobold - Meaning and Origin

Theobold: What does the surname Theobold mean?

The last name Theobold is an Anglo-Norman surname that originated in England around the 12th century. It is believed to be derived from the Old French personal name Thiebault, composed of the elements thié, meaning "people," and bald, meaning "bold" or "power." It is likely that the name was used as a sign of status or power.

Over time, the name evolved and became Theobald, commonly used in English literature as a reference to a powerful or influential figure. Shakespeare used the name for one of his characters in the play King John.

Theobold families spread throughout Britain and Europe during the Middle Ages and later emigrated to the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world. Many Theobolds adopted the spelling variant Theobald, and there are a few other variations that have cropped up over time.

Today, Theobold is a relatively uncommon last name in the United States but is still prevalent in England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Those who bear this name can be proud of its long and noble history that dates back many centuries.

Theobold: Where does the name Theobold come from?

The last name Theobold is relatively common and can be found primarily in many English-speaking countries, especially the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. In the United States, it is estimated that there are around 3,500 people who carry the Theobold name. In Australia, the last name Theobold is most prevalent in the state of Victoria, although it is also common in Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia. In the United Kingdom, Theobold is most commonly found in counties such as Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Somerset, and Wiltshire, although it can be found in other parts of England.

Theobold is derived from the Germanic personal name Theudobald, from the elements "theud,” which means “people,” and “bald,” which means “bold.” The surname Theobold first appears in England in the 13th century and was likely brought to England by the Normans. It is believed to have been popularized through worship of Theudoald, a Merovingian saint.

The Theobold family has a long history in the United States. One of the earliest settlers was Robert Theobold, who arrived in Massachusetts in 1630 and settled in Newbury. The Theobold name appears in numerous records and documents throughout the American colonies. In addition, several Theobolds have served in the United States armed forces, including a number of officers in the Revolutionary War. To this day, there are thousands of Americans with the Theobold surname.

Variations of the surname Theobold

Theobold is a surname of Germanic origin and can be spelt in several different ways. The most common variant is Theobald, though other variants include Tobold, Thiebaud, Theobaldt, Thobold, Teebald, Tibald, Tibaldt, Tiebold, Tieboldt, Tiebaud, Thibault, and Thiebault.

Theobold descent is traced to the ancient Germanic tribes who settled in what is now northern Germany and The Netherlands. In particular, it can be linked to the personal names of ‘Theudobald’ and ‘Theodobald’. In medieval times, this name was popular among the Bavarian and Franconian ruling classes and it was then appropriated by the French as a surname, changing slightly to ‘Thibault’ or ‘Thiebault’.

Theobold is now present throughout Europe, North America, Australia, and South Africa. In the United States, Theobold is most commonly found in Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, and California. In the United Kingdom, Thiebaud can be found in England, Scotland, and Wales.

The spread of Theobold has, in many cases, resulted in variants changing over time, while migrating families have also often adopted the spelling of the country of their residence. For instance, a family from England may adopt a spelling of ‘Thiebaud’ or an American family may adopt the spelling of ‘Tibbold’.

All variants of Theobold, no matter how they are spelt, can be traced back to a Germanic origin and it is thought that the shared surname demonstrates a shared ancestral heritage.

Famous people with the name Theobold

• Liam Theobold: English actor, best known for his role as Josh in the BBC series The A Word and Jojo Kovacs in the ITV period drama series Beecham House.
• Wihelm Theobold: German composer and conductor of the early 19th century.
• Bryan Theobold: Award-winning British director and writer, known for his work on the television series Lark Rise to Candleford and New Tricks.
• Rudolf Theobold: German-born naturalist who travelled to the United States in the early 19th century to collect specimens for the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia.
• Otto Theobold: German botanist who specialised in the study of fungi, best known for his description of the rust fungus Cystopus.
• Bart Theobold: American Olympic Greco-Roman wrestler who competed in the 2000 and 2004 Games.
• Robert Theobold: British author of the novel “Invisible Walls”, set in the city of London during the mid-18th century.
• Charles Theobold: One of the first professional writers in the film industry, he wrote nine screenplays between 1910 and 1915, including the classic comedy Tillie's Punctured Romance.
• Pascal Theobold: French-Canadian painter known for his childbirth symbolism in his works.
• Margaret Theobold: English painter of fine arts, mainly known for her still lifes.

Other surnames

Theoboldt