Surname Theilen - Meaning and Origin
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Theilen: What does the surname Theilen mean?
Theilen is an German surname derived from the Middle High German word for "smooth" or "pleasant". This indicates that it was likely first used to refer to someone who was hospitable or well-liked.
Theilen is not particularly common, but it can be found mainly in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and some areas of the Netherlands. It has also spread with German emigration to other countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia. There are also variants of the name in other languages, including French (Thilien), Dutch (Theilen), and Scandinavian (Tailing).
The meaning of the name can be found in a few sayings, including "maak der Theilne joy," meaning "make the Theilen happy." This suggests that Theilen is traditionally associated with joy and cheerfulness. It is also connected to the word "theilen," meaning to "divide" or "share," indicating that the name could have been used in a metaphorical sense to refer to someone who was generous or hospitable.
The name Theilen is both a unique and special name, and those that bear it can be proud of its multi-cultural origins and fascinating history. Even if its original meaning has been slightly altered over the centuries, it still carries a positive connotation that those who bear it can take pride in.
Order DNA origin analysisTheilen: Where does the name Theilen come from?
The last name Theilen is an enormously rare surname; in fact, it has been recorded on the census only 17 times since 1880. Even though it is incredibly uncommon, Theilen can be found in several countries today. The most heavily populated modern concentration of the name is in the United States. According to surname distribution data from Forebears, approximately 8 people in the US have the surname Theilen, making up just 0.000% of the population.
The majority of them are concentrated in Texas and New Jersey. Canada is also home to a few people with this surname, though the exact number is unknown. Additionally, Theilen can be found in Germany. It's origin likely comes from the North Rhine-Westphalia region of the country, where it is still quite rare. It has been recorded on Germany's General Register Office Census just 10 times since the mid 20th century.
Theilen can also be found in the Netherlands, South Africa, Australia, Switzerland, and New Zealand, though, in all of these countries, the name is so rare that an exact population count is unknown.
People with the surname Theilen likely connect and relate to one another, but since it is so rare, it is hard to know how many people are out there with the same surname. Regardless, it is clear that although Theilen is an uncommon name, pockets of it can be found in several countries around the world.
Variations of the surname Theilen
The surname Theilen is of German origin, and is derived from the Medieval Germanic root “theod” meaning “people” or “folk”. It was a relatively popular name, and as such has a variety of variants, alternate spellings, and derivatives.
The most common variants of Theilen are Thiel, Teilen, Teilmann, Thiele, Thielen, Tielman, and Tielmans. The majority of these variants remain Germanic, though some have become anglicized over time.
Other derivations of Theilen include Tehle, Telman, Telmans, Tyhlman, and Tyhlmans; these are slightly anglicized spellings of Theilen and its variants.
Theilen is also closely related to the surnames Tilman, Tilmann, Tillman, Tillmann, and Tieling; these may either be derivatives of Theilen, or alternate spellings of related surnames.
In addition, derivatives of Theilen exist throughout Europe. In France, the surname Theile or Théile is a prominent variant, while in the Netherlands the spelling is Thijlen or Thijlens. These variants are usually native to their respective regions, though they may be related to the original Germanic Theilen.
Overall, Theilen and its variants and derivatives are evidence of the changing nature of surnames and how continental migrations have affected their spellings over the centuries.
Famous people with the name Theilen
- Bryce Theilen: an American professional road cyclist.
- Matthew Theilen: an American former professional basketball player.
- Marilyn Theilen: an American author who wrote the popular children's book, Pigs.
- Adam Theilen: an American musician who released his debut album, "One Last Time".
- Carl Theilen: a German professional basketball player.
- Riley Theilen: an American wrestler, known for winning the gold medal at the Junior World Championships in 2018.
- Eric Theilen: an American entrepreneur who created the popular fitness app "MyFitnessPal".
- Juan Theilen: a Spanish novelist, best known for his work El Hablador.
- David Theilen: an Australian actor who starred in the television series "Neighbours".
- Astrid Theilen: a Swedish fashion designer best known for her signature collection of pret-a-porter clothing for women.