Surname Tompkin - Meaning and Origin

Tompkin: What does the surname Tompkin mean?

The surname Tompkin is of English origin and is believed to have descended from the personal name "Thomas." The name Thomas itself means 'twin' in Aramaic. The suffix “kin” denotes a diminutive or small version or a term of endearment, i.e., little or small Thomas. This implies that Tompkin may have originally referred to 'the son of little Thomas’ or 'little Thomas’. Like many surnames that originated in medieval England, it can be traced back to a specific occupation, topographic feature, nickname, or even a clan affiliation. It was not uncommon for a person to be named after his father or a notable virtue or characteristic. The variations of the name Tompkin include Tompkins, Tompkyns, and others. Each variation can lead back to different familial lineages. Therefore, the meaning and origin may slightly differ.

Tompkin: Where does the name Tompkin come from?

The last name Tompkin is most commonly found in England and the United States. In England, the surname is particularly common in Staffordshire in the Midlands.

In the United States, Tompkin can be found in concentrations all over the country. Top states include Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and California. In mid-2016, a Tompkin Genealogy Survey found Tompkin to appear in 39 of the 50 US states.

In terms of origin, Tompkin appears to be predominantly English in nature. There are several possible reason why the surname is so wide-spread today. In many cases, immigrants and their descendants have carried English surnames with them to new lands, resulting in a wider geographical distribution.

The family name Tompkin was made popular in the US during the colonial times. This time period saw an influx of immigrants who settled in the various colonies, and their unique surnames can still be found in those areas today.

Tompkin is also a common Americanized surname derivative of "Thompkin." This was an English surname derived from either a shortened form of Thomas, or from a pet form of the English surname "Thompson," which was first used by English settlers. In short, the last name Tompkin has become common today through a long history of migration, immigration, and settlement.

Variations of the surname Tompkin

Tompkin is a surname of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English terms “tomkin” and “tompen”, which were used to refer to a small hill or mound. The earliest recorded instance of the surname is from 1285, when a man named Thomas Tompkenus was mentioned in the records of London.

The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for Tompkin include:

1. Tomkins – this family name is thought to have originated from a family or estate in Yorkshire, England. It is a variation of the name Tompkin with a British spelling.

2. Tompkinson – this form of the surname is a variation of the spelling of Tompkin. It can be found as an alternative spelling in records from the 18th century.

3. Tompkins – this surname is thought to have derived from the same source as Tompkin, i.e., Middle English “tomkin” and “tompen”. It is a less common spelling of the family name.

4. Tomson – an alternative variant of the surname Tompkin, this is a more modern spelling of the same name.

5. Tompsett – this is an archaic spelling of the surname Tompkin that was found in records from the 16th century.

6. Tompse – another variation of Tompkin, this version of the surname is less common and was used mainly in Yorkshire, England.

7. Tompian – this spelling of the Tompkin name is found in records from 17th century England.

Altogether, these variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Tompkin provide a glimpse into the history of the family name. By looking these various variations, one can gain a better understanding of the evolution of this name over time.

Famous people with the name Tompkin

• Morgan Tompkins: Canadian actor best known for his guest role in the television series Degrassi: The Next Generation.
• Ron Tompkins: American director and producer of music videos with credits for works such as Sean Kingston's 2008 hit, "Beautiful Girls".
• Isaac Tompkins: American entrepreneur and founder of the clothing brand, thousands.has.
• Doris Tompkins: American professional golfer, who has won multiple women’s club championships in California in the 1960s and 70s.
• Rachel Tompkins: British actress, known for her roles in The Imitation Game (2014) and Downton Abbey (2010) and Dark Money (2019).
• Suzanne Tompkins: American award winning landscape painter, known for her expressionistic and colorful oil paintings.
• David Tompkins: Australian scientist who led the development of the iconic Sydney Opera House, and chief designer of the world's first atomic cannon.
• Mark Tompkins: British actor, best known for his roles in shows like Game of Thrones (2011) and Broadchurch (2013).
• Elizabeth Tompkins: American filmmaker and film editor, with credits on celebrated docs like Tiny: The Life of Erin Blackwell (2003), and A Lion in the House (2006).
• Richard Tompkins: British high-performance yachtsman, and winning winner of multiple world championships in the 1970s and 80s.

Other surnames

Tompkins