Surname Thorns - Meaning and Origin
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Thorns: What does the surname Thorns mean?
The surname Thorns is of English origin, derived from a topographic name or perhaps a nickname. It is closely associated with individuals who lived in or near areas where thorn trees predominantly grew, hence the name "Thorns". It could also be possibly a nickname for a person with a prickly disposition, similar to the sharp tips of a thorn. The actual word "thorn" itself comes from the Old English term "thorn" which signifies a thorn tree. The surname Thorns, like many other names of the period, would have been adopted by family units in Britain during the Middle Ages for purposes of identification. Its use became more popular and necessary as British society became more populated, hence the government began to mandate the use of personal surnames to more accurately manage their taxation, census, and recordkeeping systems. Relatively common throughout England, the surname of Thorns is predominantly found in locations such as Wiltshire, Surrey, Hertfordshire, Warwickshire, Cambridgeshire, and Worcestershire. Hence, the surname "Thorns" is a geographical indication of an individual’s dwelling or a symbolic representation of their nature.
Order DNA origin analysisThorns: Where does the name Thorns come from?
The last name Thorns is most common today among individuals with English, Irish, Welsh, and French heritage. It is also known to be derived from the Old Norse name Þornr, which is composed of elements that symbolize strength, bravery, and protection.
In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the last name Thorns can be found in greater numbers in the cities of London, Dublin, Belfast, Manchester, Brighton, and Leeds.
In the United States, the last name Thorns is commonly found among the Western, Midwestern, and Northeastern regions of the country. Cities where the last name has been found in high concentrations include Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Boston.
In Canada, the last name Thorns is also found in greater numbers. It is especially common in the Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver metropolitan areas.
The last name Thorns is also found in abundance among French Canadians who trace their ancestry to the early French settlers of Canada. It can be found in greater numbers in the Quebec and Ontario provinces.
Overall, the last name Thorns appears to be most common in countries with English, Irish, Welsh, French, and French Canadian backgrounds. It is especially prominent in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.
Variations of the surname Thorns
Thorns is an English surname of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from the Old English word "þorn", meaning "thorn". It is believed to have two distinct origins, either as a locational name derived from a place named with the element "þorn, or occupationally as the name of a fisherman who used a thorn-like implement as a net for catching fish.
Variants of Thorns include Thorne, Thoren, Thorney, Thorny, Thornie, Thornt, and Thornes. Alternate spellings include Thurne, Thurn, Thurns, Thurnes, Thurney, Thurney, Thurny, Thurny, and Thurnie.
Surnames of similar origins are Price, Payne, Pridham, Danger, and Braveman. These names are all derived from Anglo-Saxon words with the same meaning as "thorn". Price, for example, is derived from the Old English "prys", meaning "price"; Payne is derived from "pan", meaning "provisions"; Pridham is derived from "prud", meaning "courage"; Danger is derived from "denig", meaning "danger"; and Braveman is derived from "braefman", meaning "brave".
Overall, the Thorns surname is a common English name derived from an Old English word of Anglo-Saxon origins. It has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origins, each with their own associated meanings.
Famous people with the name Thorns
- Joe Thorns: Professional soccer player who played for Crawley Town.
- Benjamin Thorns: Professional golfer who plays on the PGA tour.
- Johnny Thorns: Professional footballer who played for Nottinham Forest.
- Bill Thorns: Former bassist for the rock band Uriah Heep.
- Evangeline Thorns: Award-winning writer and author of several mystery novels.
- Tom Thorns: Actor and comedian who starred in several television shows, movies, and stage plays.
- Ann Thorns: Famous chef and restaurateur who owns several five-star restaurants in London.
- Megan Thorns: Reclusive author of several best-selling novels.
- Charles Thorns: Astronomer and astrophysicist who proposed some ground-breaking theories about the structure of the universe.
- Nicole Thorns: Singer and songwriter whose debut album won several industry awards.