Surname Ternis - Meaning and Origin

Ternis: What does the surname Ternis mean?

Ternis is a Polish and Czech surname, originating from the Latin word "Ternis" meaning "three". It is also connected with the old Polish word "Terno" meaning "triplet". The Ternis surname reflects the family's triple heritage, a connection to their past, and a deep respect for family and tradition, since triplets are seen as a sign of luck and good fortune.

The family name goes back centuries, appearing in records as early as 1518, when one Kostel Engelsdorfer Ternis was recorded to have owned an estate called Zomerzigt. Since then, the family has held a variety of titles and land ownership, and a few descendants even appear in the Polish nobility.

Those with the Ternis surname have a history of being hardworking and industrious people, often taking on ambitious projects. One such example is the famous Ternis triplets, three brothers who built the Kazimierz Coat of Arms in fields outside of Cracow, and a painting depicting a Czech knight. Ternis families have also contributed significantly to science and academics, particularly in the field of chemistry.

Ultimately, the Ternis name embodies a strong sense of history, legacy, and accomplishment. It signifies an appreciation for one's familial roots and a desire to keep those traditions alive. It also reflects a commitment to hard work and ambition, as well as a passion for learning and education. The Ternis family has left an impressive mark on history and their name stands for a proud legacy of accomplishment.

Ternis: Where does the name Ternis come from?

The last name Ternis is most commonly found in the United States and especially in Canada, particularly among French-Canadians. A relatively uncommon name, Ternis is likely derived from the Latin word, "ternus," meaning "three." It is believed that the name is either a reference to the Holy Trinity or an old Germanic family name.

In the US, the last name Ternis is found mainly in the Northeast and Midwest states like Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, and Wisconsin. In Canada, it is most commonly found in the eastern provinces such as Quebec and New Brunswick. Other countries where Ternis may be found include France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Ireland.

It is likely that the Ternis family originated in France or Germany many centuries ago. It is believed that the name spread to North America primarily through French-Canadian migration in the 17th and 18th centuries. It is also possible that members of the Ternis family settled in the US and Canada during the post-Revolutionary War period.

Today, Ternis is still mostly confined to the regions of the US and Canada discussed above. According to data from the US Census Bureau and Canada's Statistic Canada, around 300 individuals in the US and 260 individuals in Canada currently bear the Ternis surname.

Variations of the surname Ternis

The surname Ternis is thought to have several variants, spellings, and surnames with similar origins.

Ternis is thought to be derived from the Latin Tinderius or Tenderius which is believed to be an ancient personal name meaning 'fierce one'. Variants of this surname include Tender, Tende and Tendant.

In some instances Ternis is thought to be linked to the Germanic surname Ternitz with the ‘tz’ being softened to a 's' to suit the language.

The English spelling can be found as Ternint, Ternes, and Ternese with rhythms in which the ‘t’ is changed to ‘d,’ leading to surnames such as Derness and Dernise.

The Spanish version is recorded as Terniz and Ternisal while the French version is rendered as Ternisse and Derniz.

Finally, the surnames Turgeon, Turk and Turken are all thought to have been variations of the surname Ternis with the spelling changing over time as other languages were learned and embraced.

Overall, the surname Ternis has many alternate spellings and variants that are found in multiple countries due to its long and varied history.

Famous people with the name Ternis

• Emma Ternis: A film director, photographer, artist, and activist from Romania.
• Isabelle Ternis: A French fashion designer.
• Clement Ternis: A French historian, geographer, and political scientist.
• Kren Ternis: An American sculptor best known for her monumental abstract sculptures.
• Sylvanus Ternis: A Swedish painter and educator.
• Björn Ternis: A Swedish soccer player.
• August Ternis: A German architect.
• Nina Ternis: A Russian sculptor and installation artist.
• Karin Ternis: A Swedish actress.
• Truls Ternis: A Norwegian long-distance runner.
• Wun Ternis: A German writer, educator, and librarian.
• Roope Ternis: A Finnish visual artist and filmmaker.
• John Ternis: An English professional rugby union player.
• Alisa Ternis: An American film producer.

Other surnames

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