Surname Thirkyngton - Meaning and Origin
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Thirkyngton: What does the surname Thirkyngton mean?
The last name Thirkyngton is an Anglo-Saxon surname, derived from the place name Thirkyngton, which is now in the Northamptonshire region of England. Its literal meaning is derived from the Old English words þyrcingtun, which means an enclosure or settlement of those called ‘þyrcingas’, which translates to those who lived near a thorn tree.
The first historical record of the Thirkyngton name was of Willelmus de Thyrcyngton in the Chartulary of Allerton Priory in 1246. The first ancestral records of the Thirkyngton surname can be traced back to the original manner of life, with the family being assumed to have been small land owners with farming backgrounds.
The Thirkyngton family gained significant feudal power during the Elizabethan period, reaching the height of their influence under the patronage of Queen Elizabeth I. During this period, the family held or absorbed manors in several English counties, including Northamptonshire, Huntingdonshire, and Lincolnshire. The family was also influential in the areas of trade, politics, and the church.
Later times saw the Thirkyngton family decrease in power and wealth as their manors eventually lost value with the dissolution of feudalism. In more recent times, the Thirkyngton surname has become far more widely dispersed as members of the family have emigrated or moved to new towns and cities in England and around the world.
Order DNA origin analysisThirkyngton: Where does the name Thirkyngton come from?
The last name Thirkyngton is most commonly found today in the United Kingdom. The name, often spelled as Thirkill or Thirkettle, has been recorded as far back as the 13th century and is believed to be related to the Old English term "thyrcne", meaning "thorny place". It is also believed that the surname was given to those from a town or hamlet called Thirkettle near the Scottish border.
The surname is thought to have first been derived from this area, becoming common in Lancashire, and spreading throughout the rest of the country as members of the family moved around. Thirkyngtons are today most populous in London, Leeds, Manchester, Derbyshire, and particularly Shropshire.
Thirkyngton is an interesting surname due largely to its etymology and the fact that its spelling has been modified and adapted over the years. There is a small amount of evidence that suggests the name may have derived from a place in Sweden, although this theory has never been proven.
As well as being found in the UK, the name Thirkyngton has also been noted in the United States, with records showing immigrants from England. The surname can also be found in India, as well as in some other parts of the world.
Overall, the last name Thirkyngton is most commonly found in the United Kingdom today, with significant populations in London, Leeds, Manchester, Derbyshire, and Shropshire. It has also been noted in the United States, India, and further afield. The spelling of the name has been adapted over time, and its origins are currently uncertain.
Variations of the surname Thirkyngton
The surname Thirkyngton has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. It has been recorded in documents as Thirkinton, Thyrkington and even Threckington over time. The surname is derived from the toponymic nautical term "Thirk", which means marshy ground, and the Old English "ing", meaning meadow. Combined, this creates the meaning "the settlement by the marsh or meadow".
One of the most notable variations of the surname is Thirskton, or Turskton. This variant originates from the historic market town of Thirsk in North Yorkshire, where many bearers of the surname likely resided, prompting the change in spelling.
Additionally, the spelling "Toddington" is a variant of Thirkyngton, deriving from the Old English "thwyn", meaning small and "tun", meaning settlement, which likely refers to a small settlement located at a point where two streams met.
The spelling of Thirkyngton also has some resemblances to the English surnames "Thirsk" and "Thurkettle", as well as the Scottish surname "Thurkett". The latter of which is derived from the Old English "thorn", meaning thorn, and "kill", meaning spring or stream.
Variations of the surname Thirkyngton continue to exist to this day, including Tykington, Thorkington, Tyirington, Turkington and a few others. This shows how many spellings were used to refer to the same surname over centuries of British history.
Famous people with the name Thirkyngton
- Mark Thirkilton: British actor, known for his roles in the films Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Johnny English, and Shaun of the Dead.
- Timothy Thirkilton: British musician, best known as the guitarist of the rock band Radiohead and for his solo collaboration with the American rock band Pearl Jam.
- Alice Thirklington: British television presenter, best known for her work on the BBC on shows such as The One Show, The Generation Game, and Have I Got News For You.
- Tom Thirklington: British artist, best known for his surrealist paintings incorporating baby dolls and dolls' parts.
- Martin Thirklington: British politician, former leader of the Conservative Party and two-time Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
- Emma Thirklington: British actress, best known for her roles in the films Harry Potter, and The Golden Compass.
- Keith Thirklington: British writer, mainly associated with children’s literature, fairy tales, and poetry.
- Steve Thirklington: American businessman, former chairman and CEO of IBM.
- Sam Thirklington: British actor and director, best known for his roles in Downton Abbey, Call the Midwife, Eastenders, and Outlander.
- Simon Thirklington: British entrepreneur, best known for founding the company Expedia.