Surname Tumblin - Meaning and Origin

Tumblin: What does the surname Tumblin mean?

The surname Tumblin is of Scottish origin, derived from the Old English 'tumbere' which translates to 'tumbler', a term used to refer to dancers or acrobats during the medieval period. The name is likely to have been an occupational surname given to individuals who were professional jesters or acrobats. Over time, this original occupational term has morphed into the surname Tumblin. Like many other surnames, Tumblin has various recorded spellings, including Tumlin, Tomblin, Tumblin, Tombline, and others. It should be noted that throughout history, it's likely that members of the Tumblin family have moved and settled in other parts of the world, adapting the surname to different local languages. While the general assumption is that the name is Scottish, depending on the specific family lineage, the origin might also be English. The use of occupational names was quite common in early England, and Tumblin may have originated in this context. Regardless of its specific origins, the Tumblin surname provides a unique insight into the history of professions and social norms of ages long past.

Tumblin: Where does the name Tumblin come from?

The last name Tumblin is generally believed to be of British-Irish origin, and is particularly common in Great Britain, Canada, and the United States, although it has been recorded in other countries as well.

In the United States the Tumblin name is particularly prevalent in Georgia, where it is presently one of the top 700 most common surnames.

In Canada, the Tumblin name is particularly noticeable in the province of Ontario, in which it is presently the 440th most common surname. It is also well-represented in the provinces of Quebec and Alberta.

In the United Kingdom, the Tumblin name is particularly observed in the West Midlands region, in which it is presently the 357th most common surname. It is also particularly prominent in London, as well as in the counties of Surrey and Oxfordshire.

More generally, the Tumblin name has a significant presence in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Canada, and the United States, wherein it is particularly commonly recorded. The name is also observed in many other countries, including the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Jamaica, Australia, and New Zealand.

Variations of the surname Tumblin

Surname Tumblin is thought to be of English and Irish origins that has been adopted from a variety of sources. It is thought to have first originated from a Middle English word ‘tumble’ that originated from a Low German word ‘tummer’, meaning ‘to turn’. Variants of the surname include Tumbling, Tumlin, Tummlin and Tumeling. Spellings may differ from region to region, although the most common form remains Tumblin.

The most common spelling variant of Tumblin in England is Tumlin, which is thought to be of Anglo-Saxon origin, and can be found dispersed across England. In Ireland, the most common spelling is Tumlin, which originated from the Gaelic MacTuimeallain, meaning “son of Timothy O’Neill”.

The surname is thought to have most likely originated in Northern Ireland, around the county of Antrim, before its dispersal across the British Isles. Variants of this surname can also be found in Scotland and Ireland, where the primary forms are Thumble, Thomlin, Tomblin, Drumlin and Tomlin.

In Scotland, the surname is believed to be a derivative of the Gaelic MacTunleabhair, meaning ‘son of Tunleabhair', a Gaelic name which literally translates to ‘son of an unhappy man’.

Tumblin is also a variant of Thomson or Thompson in England, of which the origin is debate among genealogists. Some claim it derives from the old Scandinavian ‘Thomsen’ or ‘Thomasson’ meaning ‘son of Thom’- a diminutive of Thomas. Alternatively, it could derive from the Greek term for ‘twin’, ‘Thoma’.

In conclusion, the surname Tumblin has a variety of derivatives, spellings and different origins, depending on a family’s place of origin. Variants include Tumbling, Tumlin, Tummlin, Tumeling, Thumble, Thomlin, Tomblin, Drumlin, Tomlin, Thomson and Thompson.

Famous people with the name Tumblin

• Avery Tumblin: NFL player
• Bill Tumblin: blues guitarist
• Brad Tumblin: semi-professional go-kart driver
• Darren Tumblin: former professional wrestler
• Dylan Tumblin: music producer
• Erik Tumblin: punk rock singer
• Glynn Tumblin: former Trumpeter with Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
• Howard Tumblin: soul musician
• Jacob Tumblin: stand-up comedian
• James Tumblin: Olympic badminton player
• Joan Tumblin: author
• John Tumblin: former MLA Ontario
• Kristina Tumblin: actress
• Larry Tumblin: NFL player
• Mallory Tumblin: rodeo champion
• Michael Tumblin: boxer
• Nathalie Tumblin: model
• Peter Tumblin: former NHL player
• Quinn Tumblin: electronic music artist
• Robert Tumblin: former AFL player
• Scott Tumblin: baseball player
• Tony Tumblin: jazz musician
• Wayne Tumblin: household name on the Australian surfing scene
• Zac Tumblin: philanthropist

Other surnames

Tumbleson