Surname Tippens - Meaning and Origin
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Tippens: What does the surname Tippens mean?
The surname Tippens is of English origin and is considered a patronymic surname derived from a baptismal name rather than a geographical location or occupational title. The name likely evolved from the popular medieval personal name "Theobald," which has Germanic roots and means "people-bold" or "brave people." Over time, the name underwent various transformations in different regions and dialects, such as Tybalt, Tibalt, and eventually Tippens. The "-s" or "-ns" at the end generally indicates "son of," suggesting the initial bearer was "son of Theobald" or "son of Tibalt." The name is relatively uncommon today and can be found in various forms in English-speaking countries worldwide. However, like many surnames, the exact origin and meaning of Tippens may vary based on different family lines.
Order DNA origin analysisTippens: Where does the name Tippens come from?
The last name Tippens is found predominantly in the United States and Canada today. It is most prevalent in the southern parts of the United States, especially in Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, and Texas. It is also common in states with larger African American populations, such as Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama. In the United States, the largest concentration of individuals with the Tippens surname is found in Texas, followed by Mississippi, Louisiana, and Oklahoma.
The surname is also found in West Indian islands such as Trinidad and Tobago. However, the frequency of the surname in these countries is relatively low. US data suggests that the surname was likely introduced to North America through ancestors who arrived via the slave trade.
Outside of the United States and Canada, the surname is mostly found in England, Australia, New Zealand, and the Caribbean. However, the numbers in each country are small.
In the United States and Canada, the surname is continuing to grow in popularity. Currently, it is ranked as the 5,718th most common surname in the United States and the 5,631st most common surname in Canada.
Variations of the surname Tippens
The surname Tippens has various variants, spellings, and surnames with similar origins. These include Tipping, Tippin, and Tippon. It is also sometimes spelled Tippans, Tippings, Tippins, or Tippons.
The surname Tippens is derived from the medieval personal name “Tippe”. This personal name likely originated from a diminutive form of the name “Theobald”, which in turn comes from the Germanic “thiud” (people, nation) and “bald” (bold). As a result, the surname Tippens may have referred to someone who was “bold or brave”.
The surname Tippens dates back to the 16th century, when a family of the same name was living in Lancashire, England. Members of the Tippens family were likely originally based in Cheshire, a few miles south of Lancashire. In later decades, members of the Tippens ancestry emigrated to countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States.
Variants of the surname Tippens include Tippin, Tippons, and Tippings. Alternate spellings include Tippins, Tippan, Typpens, Typens, and Typins. Other surnames of similar origin include Tippett and Tippie.
Famous people with the name Tippens
- Jason Tippens: Former professional American football player and running back who competed in the NFL for the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots.
- Ashlee Tippens: Contemporary U.S. country music singer-songwriter.
- Wil Tippens: Grammy-winning American bluegrass musician specializing in the five-string banjo.
- Willie Tippens: Hall of Fame American Major League Baseball umpire who worked for 28 years in the MLS from 1960 to 1988.
- Terry Tippens: Frontman for the rock band White Noise.
- Earnest Tippens: Former American football cornerback and kick returner who played three seasons in the NFL from 2008 to 2011 for the Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- Burt Tippens: Professional American race car driver who competed in the NASCAR Busch Series from 1983 to 1989.
- James Tippens: Primary singer-songwriter and guitarist for the indie rock/blues trio FORT.
- Mason Tippens: Actor who has appeared in the TV series “Under the Dome” as well as the movies “The Possession”, “The Uninvited”, and “The Game.”
- Garrison Tippens: American baseball infielder who played professionally in the minor leagues.