Surname Tannochy - Meaning and Origin

Tannochy: What does the surname Tannochy mean?

Tannochy is a Scottish surname, derived from the name Tannoch. The name itself comes from the Gaelic elements ‘tan’, meaning fire and ‘och’, meaning young.

This muddy-up of etymological elements translates roughly into ‘Fiery Young’, and likely comes from a particularly dynamic family or ruling line in ancient Scotland. Tannochy families were especially known for their ferocity and bravery, as borne out by the motto of one Tannochy clan, which reads ‘Let reflection try me’, or ‘think twice before taking me on’.

Tannochy families were also known for their prolific migrations – for instance, some Tannochy clans can be found in Canada, while others reside in Scotland. This is likely due to their adventurous spirit and will to explore new boundaries.

In this regard, the Tannochy surname has a certain spirit of adventure and boldness associated with it. Even today, Tannochys can be found travelling and adopting new places, while at the same time cherishing their Scottish roots. For a Tannochy, the journey of life is as important as its final destination.

Tannochy: Where does the name Tannochy come from?

The last name Tannochy is believed to have originated in Scotland. It is most common in Scotland today, especially in rural areas, as well as in the southernmost part of Northern Ireland. It is not a particularly common name outside of those two countries.

The name is thought to originate from the Gaelic world "tanaich" which means "with a altar". This could refer to location-specific features such as high ground, slopes, or landforms where ancient people may have built or made offerings to the gods. It is also possible that the name could be connected to the ancient Celtic tribe named the Tannochs, who lived in parts of Scotland.

The surname over the centuries has evolved and changed in pronunciation, spelling, and spread. It can still be found in many parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland, and some have even emigrated to countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Tannochy is an interesting name with a rich history. It has adapted with the times, travelling throughout the world to new places and countries. The original meaning may remain a mystery to some, but Tannochy lives on, an old familial bond between those who once shared it-- and those who do today.

Variations of the surname Tannochy

Tannochy is a Scottish surname that is localized to the area around Perth in the Central Lowlands of Scotland. The variants, spellings and surnames of this origin are Tantochy, Tanochy, Tanotchy, Tanawchly, Tanawthy, Tannitchy, Tannitghy, Tannoch, Tannochs and Tannogue.

The earliest records of this name are found in the records of the Canmore Scottish People Database which date back to the fifteenth century. During this time, it is believed that this name was used to describe a family of farmers living in the area.

The earliest recorded spelling of the name was Tanotchy in 1535 and was found in the records of a property dispute in the Edinburgh Records.

The spelling of the name underwent a number of changes over the centuries. For example, the spelling of the name changed to Tanawchly in 1558 and to Tanawthy in 1590. Over time, the spelling evolved to include variants such as Tantochy, Tanawchly, Tanochy, Tanotchy, Tanawchy, Tannitchy, Tannitghy, Tannoch, Tannochs and Tannogue.

The surname has also been spelled as Tanochy, Tanotchy and Tanitchy in different records. The spelling variations were mainly due to the way the surname was pronounced in different dialects of the Scottish language.

Today, the surname Tannochy is still used in the area around Perth but has spread further throughout the rest of Scotland and to other parts of the world. The name is quite uncommon, but is shared by a small number of individuals around the world who are connected to the original Tannochy family from Perth.

Famous people with the name Tannochy

• Bill Tannochy: A former professional ice hockey player, Bill Tannochy is best remembered for having played for the Detroit Red Wings in the National Hockey League.
• Alison Tannochy: Alison Tannochy is a former actress and television presenter from Northern Ireland. She is best known for her roles in the BBC programme The Rhyme Game and a variety of other series.
• Frank Tannochy: Frank Tannochy was a professional football player, who played for the Scottish Amateur Football League team Queen of the South and then briefly for Aberdeen.
• William Tannochy: William Tannochy was a Scottish-Australian baker and trade unionist who was active in the early years of the labour movement in Australia.
• Patrick Tannochy: Patrick Tannochy is an Irish former footballer who played for a variety of clubs in Scotland.
• Kirk Tannochy: Kirk Tannochy is an Australian former professional basketball player who played for the Townsville Crocodiles of the NBL.
• Gordon Tannochy: Gordon Tannochy is a rugby league player who is currently playing for the Wigan Warriors in Super League.
• Susan Tannochy: Susan Tannochy is a Canadian former competitive figure skater who competed in the disciplines of singles and pairs.
• James Tannochy: James Tannochy is a Scottish artist who works in painting, sculpture and photography.
• Clayton Tannochy: Clayton Tannochy is an American mountain bike racer who has competed in the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup and the USCF Marathon Series.

Other surnames

Tannoch