Surname Tombs - Meaning and Origin
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Tombs: What does the surname Tombs mean?
The last name Tombs is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "tomb", which means a monument or memorial stone, usually for a deceased person. Thus, this surname was most likely an occupational name for someone who built or carved tombstones or monuments in a cemetery. It is also possible that it was a topographic name to signify someone who lived near a notable tomb or cemetery.
The name may also have roots in various English locations such as Lew, Oxfordshire, Tormarton in Gloucestershire, and others. These locations have name elements that are similar sounding to "tomb", with the “tun” element meaning farmstead or settlement and the "b" possibly being a softening of this final "n".
Surname meanings are often speculative since they may have evolved in different ways for different historical families using them. Thus, it's always possible that unique historical circumstances influenced the individual derivations of the surname Tombs for some families.
Order DNA origin analysisTombs: Where does the name Tombs come from?
The last name Tombs is most commonly found in the United Kingdom. In the 1881 census it was recorded as the 101st most common surname, with 10,692 individuals registered as have the last name. It is more prominent in the southern area of the country, particularly around Kent.
Tombs is believed to have Anglo-Saxon origin, with the last name translating to "dweller by the tombs". This suggests that those with the last name were likely to have come from some kind of settlement where there were many tombs—possibly a large graveyard or a place art or religion played a big role.
It is also common to find individuals with the last name Tombs in other parts of Europe, including Germany, and in some parts of the United States. The name is particularly prominent in states such as Florida, Texas, and New York, where there are reported to be dozens of individuals with the last name Tombs.
In general, the last name Tombs is not as common as it once was, though it is still recognised in many parts of the world. It tends to be particularly concentrated in larger cities and metropolitan areas, suggesting that it is an old, established surname that has been handed down through families for generations.
Variations of the surname Tombs
The surname Tombs is derived from the Old French ‘tombère’, meaning a tradesman or a mason. It was originally an occupational name, but can now be found across many countries.
Variations of the surname Tombs include Tombes, Tomes, Tombs, and Tomb. Spellings of the surname can include Tombs, Tombe, Tombses, Tombse, and Tombz.
The Tombs surname also has many variants in different countries and languages. In England, for example, it is sometimes spelled Tombes, while in Germany it is sometimes spelled Thombs. In Austria and Switzerland, variations of the name include Tombser and Thommes. In the Netherlands, one variant of the surname is Thomaes.
In the United States, the surname is often spelled Tombs or Tombes. In Scotland, spelling variations include Tombs, Tombe, and Tomb. In Wales, variations include Tombs, Tomb, and Tombez.
The surname Tombs is also found as the German and Jewish surname, ‘Tombach’. In Ireland, the surname can be found as ‘Timbaugh’ or ‘Temple’, while in France one variant is ‘Tomber’.
Variations of the Tombs surname are found worldwide, however, there is no single definitive spelling. As such, it is important to research the variants in each country to ensure accuracy.
Famous people with the name Tombs
- David Tombs: British journalist and author, has written five books on research of cross-cultural encounters between Christianity and other faiths.
- Ellis Tombs: Canadian former professional basketball player and coach. Played for the Vancouver Grizzlies in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
- Joe Tombs: British actor best known for his role in the TV show Game of Thrones as Maester Luwin.
- Kenneth Tombs: Canadian professional ice hockey player. His career spans from 1977 to 1989 where he played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Chicago Blackhawks, and Washington Capitals.
- Michael Tombs: American stand-up comedian and radio personality. Host of the syndicated "The Michael Tombs Show" and a regular guest on The Tonight Show.
- Ryan Tombs: British actor, best known for his lead role in the British gangster movie The Rise of the Footsoldier.
- Samuel Tombs: British independent economist. Currently chief United Kingdom economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, writing in the press and giving economic forecasts.
- Sir Ian Tombs: British publisher, architect and marine surveyor. Was knighted in 1995 for services to publishing and the community.
- Terry Tombs: Canadian former professional ice hockey player. Played 770 games in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Vancouver Canucks, Los Angeles Kings and Calgary Flames.
- Tom Tombs: Australian cricketer. Played for Victoria and was a Victorian selector for several seasons.