Surname Tollivar - Meaning and Origin

Tollivar: What does the surname Tollivar mean?

The surname Tollivar doesn't appear to have a clear origin or meaning tied to it in the readily available etymological databases. This could be due to a variety of reasons, including spelling variations, anglicization, or it being of obscure or rare origin. Like many surnames, it could potentially be linked to a geographic location, occupation, or a personal characteristic, but without specific historical information or linguistic analysis, defining its meaning or origin is challenging. Languages possibly tied to 'Tollivar' could be English, German, or Slavic languages, though this is purely speculative without solid historical or linguistic evidence. As each family's history is unique, it could also be beneficial to discuss this query with family elders or conduct genealogical research to learn more about the specific history and origins of your individual surname.

Tollivar: Where does the name Tollivar come from?

The last name Tollivar is common throughout the United States, but is most commonly seen in African American families. According to Ancestry.com, the name was first found in Louisiana in the 1800s and is believed to be of French Creole origin. It is thought that the name came from early migrant settlers in that region with the name Tullevare or Tullever. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation changed, resulting in Tollivar.

Today, the name is most associated with African Americans from Louisiana, Texas and other southern states. The name is also found throughout the Caribbean Islands, particularly in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. In the United States, the name is found in various states including Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi and Illinois.

The spelling of Tollivar is often modified to Toliver, Tolliver or Tulliver. There is also a common nickname for the name, Tolly.

The name has not seen much popularity outside of African American families in the United States, but has a timeless appeal. Those with the name often find it a source of pride, a reminder of family roots and the sacrifices made to keep their culture alive over many generations.

Variations of the surname Tollivar

The surname Tollivar is of Scottish origin and it is believed to have been derived from the term 'tolliver', which denotes a worker who collected tolls from travellers. The most common variants of the name include Tolivar, Tollivor, Tollifer, Tolifer, Tolliever, and Tollivor.

The spelling of the name can also vary based on the region or country where the person is from. For instance, some regional variants of the name are Tollivur, Tolievor, Tolevor, Tollyvar, Tolliver, and Tollivur.

Surnames that have the same origin as Tollivar include Toliver, Toliverre, Tolliferre, Tolliviere, Tolivierre, Tollyfair, and Tollever. Other common spellings of the name include Toller, Tollerfere, Tollerfiere, Tollar, Tollyfaire, and Toler.

The meaning of the word from which the surname originates from is also thought to have some connection to the Old French word 'tollir', which means to cut or to set a toll. This could denote that the original family who adopted the surname probably worked as a toll keeper.

Moreover, some variants of the name, such as Toller and Tolivere, are said to come from the Old French 'tolfre' which means 'carrier'. It is believed that this might suggest that the original Tollivar family were carriers or involved in trade.

Overall, whether you choose to spell it Tollivar, Tolivar or Tollyvar, the surname is of Scottish origin and denotes people who have a history of either collecting tolls or being involved in trade.

Famous people with the name Tollivar

• Eddie Tolliver, former NFL football player
• Frank Tolliver, professional basketball player
• John Tolliver, actor and screenwriter
• Robert A. Tolliver, Lieutenant General in the United States Army
• Karina Toliver, film producer and editor
• Michael Tolliver, painter and sculptor
• Will Tolliver, actor
• Victor Tolliver Jr., professional golfer
• Lonnie Tolliver, professional baseball player
• Kay Tollivar, poet and screenwriter

Other surnames

Tolliver