Surname Thönnihsen - Meaning and Origin
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Thönnihsen: What does the surname Thönnihsen mean?
The last name Thönnihsen is a German surname of both occupational and locational origins. It is derived from the Old German personal name "Thon" which translates to the modern English word for "lumberjack". It also likely comes from a locational name Thonn meaning a small, elevated ridge like a hill in the countryside.
The form Thönnihsen likely evolved from the personal name Thon as it was adopted as a surname in the Middle Ages. During this time, many surnames were derived from common given names or professions. People would be given a surname based on their profession, or based on where they were from. This is likely why Thönnihsen has both personal name and locational origins.
In modern times, Thönnihsen is primarily found in the German state of Lower Saxony. It is a relatively uncommon surname, so if you have it, chances are you are related to someone else who holds the same name.
Overall, the last name Thönnihsen is a German surname derived from a personal name and locational origins, having been adopted in the Middle Ages. Today, it is most commonly found in Lower Saxony and is thought to mean "lumberjack from the hill".
Order DNA origin analysisThönnihsen: Where does the name Thönnihsen come from?
The last name Thönnihsen is most commonly found in northern Germany. It is an old Germanic surname, originally derived from the given name Thonnes. This name was popular in the Middle Ages and is thought to stem from the Old Germanic name Thunnis.
The Thönnihsen name is thought to have come from the region of Schleswig-Holstein. This area had an influx of settlers in the 9th century and Thonnes was one of the many names introduced during this period. Records from that time show that Thönnihsen was a peasant name, most likely derived from small farm estates and settlements.
Today, Thönnihsen can be found scattered throughout northern Germany and the Low Countries, though it is more commonly found in Germany. Records show that it is most common in the federal states of Bremen, Hamburg, Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein.
The Thönnihsen name is also found in parts of Denmark, where it is said to be derived from the Old Norse name Thonn. In the Netherlands, it is thought to have originated in the old province of North Brabant, due to the similarity between its pronunciation there.
Although not a widely spread name today, the Thönnihsen surname is still common in northern parts of Germany and is a reminder of the historic roots of the area.
Variations of the surname Thönnihsen
The surname Thönnihsen is a Germanic surname and has many variants and spellings. Common variants are Tonniesen, Thönniessen, Thonniesen, Thonniessen, Tönniessen, Tohniesen, and Thoniesen. The German spelling is Thönnissen, and it is also found as Thönessen, Thönnesen, Thonnessen and Tönessen. The surname is derived from the personal name Thönnis or Thönnies.
In the Netherlands, Thönnihsen is spelled as Toniessen. In Denmark and Sweden, it is spelled Tonniessen or Thoniessen. English and American spelling variants are Thonieson and Thonnisson. The French version is Thonnisson, while the Spanish equivalent is Tonnisón.
Variants are also found in Italy, such as Toneisi, Toneisio, Tonehusen, Tonihusen and Toniassi. In Hungary, the variants are Tönnössen, Tonnosz and Tonnász. It can further be found as Thénihsen in Norway, which is also seen as Thönnisen. In Ireland and Scotland, it can be found as Tonneson or MacTouney.
Common surnames derived from the same origin are Bonniessen, Boniesen, Bonniesen, Bonniessen, and Bohniesen, in Germany. Further derived surnames are Tönnissen, Bonniessen, Thönen, Bohnon, Bonnoson and Bhonhonen in the Netherlands, Toneisen in France, and Tonniùs and Toniàs in Spain.
Famous people with the name Thönnihsen
- Ferdinand Thönnissen: German post-Impressionist painter
- Gunnar Thönnissen: German politician and diplomat
- Jan Thönnissen: German political scientist
- Eric Thönnissen: German industrialist
- Karen Thönnissen: Spanish radio journalist and television presenter
- Geert Thönnissen: Dutch artist, designer, and culture theorist
- Fernando Thönnissen: Argentine Formula One race car driver
- Maureen Thönnissen: Dutch artist and sculptor
- Christien Thönnissen: Dutch politician
- Els Thönnissen: Belgian TV host and presenter