Surname Tulkington - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'T'
Tulkington: What does the surname Tulkington mean?
The surname Tulkington doesn't appear to have a specific, documented meaning as it is quite unusual and not commonly found in pedigree or surname databases. It's likely of English origin, considering the 'ington' ending, which usually denotes a place of origin or residence, typical in English surnames. The 'Tulk' part is less clear, but it could be a variation of the name 'Tulk' or 'Tulke', which are old English or Norse first names. It could also potentially derive from a location that no longer exists or is now known by a different name. Therefore, while the exact meaning of Tulkington is not established, it is likely indicative of geographic origin or might be associated with a personal name in past generations. As with many surnames, its meaning could change depending on regional dialects, spelling variations, and generational shifts.
Order DNA origin analysisTulkington: Where does the name Tulkington come from?
The last name Tulkington is not widely common today, however it is most commonly found in England. It is thought to have originated in the north-western county of Cheshire, which borders Wales, sometime in the 16th century.
The earliest known records of the Tulkington name date back to the 1500s when Peter Tulkington was recorded living in the village of Brundall, Norfolk in 1570. Other early records of people bearing the name can be found in the port of Hull, in the East Riding of Yorkshire. Later records show that some branches of the family had moved to neighbouring Cheshire, Shropshire and Staffordshire, though not to any great extent.Tulkington is also common in the Ireland, particularly in the counties of Donegal, Armagh, and Leitrim, where it is believed to originate from Cornish, English or Scottish stock, though the exact origins of the name are unclear.
Modern day records of the Tulkington name shows that the majority are still found in England and Ireland, though there is also a growing presence in the United States. Records suggest that many members of the Tulkington family migrated to the US in the 1800’s and early 1900’s, with some descendants of the original settlers now living in states such as New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.
The last name Tulkington is not a widely common one today, but it can be found in England, Ireland and the USA.
Variations of the surname Tulkington
Tulkington is a surname thought to be of English origin. This surname is derived from the pre-7th century Old English word 'tulce' which described a spur of land or ridge or a piece of high ground. It is thought to have originally denoted someone who lived near such a geographical feature.
Variants of the surname Tulkington include Tulkinton, Toulkinton, and Tulkintun.
The many spellings of this surname may be seen in records such as the 1635 Sussex Protestation Return, where Toulkinton appears, or in the 1842 Birth Index, which records the name Tulkintun.
It can also be seen in more recent records, such as the 1901 census, where Tulkington is recorded.
Tulkington is an uncommon surname and its variants are relatively rare, with the latest records of this name in England dating from 1941.
Variants of this surname and its spelling variations can also be found outside of England. In Ireland for example, Toulkinton is recorded as far back as 1593 in the Dublin area; while in the 1850 U.S. Census, Tulkinton is recorded in Kentucky and in Virginia.
It is possible that some surnames beginning with 'Tol' may be related to this surname, such as Tollkington.
Overall, it can be concluded that the surname Tulkington has had many spellings and variants throughout its history; most of these remain relatively rare.
Famous people with the name Tulkington
- Brandyfern Tulkington: contestant on the reality show Big Brother in 2014
- Elspeth Tulkington: a well-known singer/songwriter
- Alan Tulkington: a popular English model
- Morgan Tulkington: a former Vice President of the United Kingdom
- 12th Baronet Sir Charles Tulkington: the patriarch of the 19th century Tulkington family of England
- Sir Frederick Tulkington: a noted philanthropist who bequeathed large amounts of his family's wealth to education, healthcare, and other charitable causes
- David Tulkington: an English sculptor whose works can be found in places such as the Tate Britain Museum
- Flora Tulkington: an English author and publisher
- Emma Tulkington: an award-winning TV presenter
- Rev. Dr. William Tulkington: a noted Victorian clergyman and author