Surname Thoennissen - Meaning and Origin

Thoennissen: What does the surname Thoennissen mean?

The surname Thoennissen is derived from the German personal name Thon, which means thunder and was used as a nickname in the Middle Ages for someone who was loud or had a short temper. It is likely derived from the Germanic element 'thonac', which means 'echo of thunder'.

The surname originally appears as theophanie or theophanie, with the spelling Thōnisse in the year 1291. The name may have initially referred to someone who lived near a thunderstorm, as it was originally a relatively common name.

The spelling evolved over time from this version to the present-day form, Thoennissen. This evolution likely occurred through general simplification of the surname, as German spelling rules changed over time.

Thoennissen is a common surname throughout the German-speaking world and derives from two uniquely German elements. The loud booming sound of thunder as well as the history of simplification of German surnames make this a name with a unique story and identity.

Thoennissen: Where does the name Thoennissen come from?

The last name Thoennissen is most common in the Netherlands, particularly in the southern and eastern parts of the country. It is also common in certain areas of Germany, Belgium, and Luxembourg. In the Netherlands, it is found in the provinces of North Brabant, Limburg, Drenthe, Gelderland, Overijssel, and Utrecht.

In North Brabant, Thoennissen is one of the most popular surnames in the region, ranking in the top 100. It is particularly common in the city of Breda and the neighboring municipalities of Oosterhout, Roosendaal, and Roermond. In Limburg, the name is the 30th most common, with highest concentration in the cities of Roermond, Venlo, and Eindhoven.

In Belgium, Thoennissen is found mainly in the provinces of Antwerp, Brabant Wallon, and Limburg. In Mechelen, it is the 46th most common name according to a 2018 census. In neighboring Luxembourg, the name is found mainly in the cantons of Diekirch, Echternach, and Mersch.

Although an uncommon name in the United States, there are a few individuals with the last name Thoennissen in the U.S. Census records. The most common states are California, Texas, New York, Ohio, Iowa, Virginia, and Michigan.

Variations of the surname Thoennissen

The surname Thoennissen is derived from the Germanic word “Thun” meaning “sword.” Over time, variations of this surname have evolved and spread across many countries in Europe and around the world. In Germany, variations of the surname Thoennissen include Thonnessen, Thoenessen, Thonessen, Thunessen, Thonnesen, Thunesssen, Thunissen, Thoenesen, Thoennesen, Toennessen and Toennesen.

In England, variations of the Thoennissen surname include Thomeson, Thomsen, Thomsensen, Thomson, Thunesson, Thunesson, Thunson, Tomsen, Tomsensen, Toomsen and Toomsensen.

In the United States and Canada, variations of the Thoennissen surname include Thoemmesen, Thoemmig, Thomassen, Thomsen, Thomson, Tomsen, Toomesen, Tremling, and Trumling.

In Norway, variants of the Thoennissen surname include Thoen, Thoenessengen, Thonessengen, Thonessen and Thunessengen. In Denmark, the variants include Thonessøn and Thunesen. In Belgium, the variants include Thonissen and Thounissen.

Given the many spellings of the Thoennissen surname from around the world, it is clear that this surname has traveled far and wide to many countries. All these spellings and variations of the Thoennissen surname continue to be passed down from generation to generation.

Famous people with the name Thoennissen

• Linda Thoennissen: Austrian synchronized swimmer and five-time European Champion.
• Mike Thoennissen: German footballer and former manager of the Dutch national team.
• Harry Thoennissen: Dutch singer-songwriter, actor and television presenter.
• Willem Thoennissen: Dutch painter, sculptor and graphic artist.
• Kim Thoennissen: Belgian professional footballer.
• Robert Thoennissen: Swiss Olympic ski jumper and World Cup winner.
• Ralf Thoennissen: German heavyweight boxer who won the International Boxing Federation's World Cruiserweight Championship in 1994.
• Paul Thoennissen: Dutch-American climatologist and professor at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry.
• Christoph Thoennissen: German chess master.
• Rolf Thoennissen: Austrian alpine skier who competed in the 1984 Winter Olympics.

Other surnames

Thoenniss