Surname Thornsbrough - Meaning and Origin
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Thornsbrough: What does the surname Thornsbrough mean?
Thornsbrough is a British surname of Anglo-Saxon origin. The name is derived from a habitation, meaning it originates from a geographic location. Specifically, Thornsbrough is thought to come from a location called Thornbury in either Devon, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, or Yorkshire.
The "Thorn" part could refer to thorns, which are a strong defensive symbol, while the "brough" or "bury" element often means 'fortified place' in old English. Therefore, the Thornsbrough surname could be interpreted as 'fortified place where thorns grow'.
It is important to note that the spelling of surnames evolved over time and Thornsbrough may have different variations such as Thornbury, Thornsberry, Thornberie, and others. The meaning and origin also depend on regional and historical contexts.
Like many surnames, Thornsbrough may not have a specific or constant meaning, but rather represents an ancestral tie to a geographic location where a family once lived or were associated with. It's a unique marker of heritage and lineage, carried forward through generations.
Order DNA origin analysisThornsbrough: Where does the name Thornsbrough come from?
The last name Thornsbrough is most commonly found in the United States today. According to the United States Census data, between 2000 and 2010 the name Thornsbrough was most commonly found in the states of Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. It was also clicked as being common in Ohio, Georgia, Arkansas, and North Carolina. During this time, there were at least 1,000 individuals with this last name in the United States.
Outside of the United States, the name Thornsbrough is not as common. Some individuals with this surname can be traced back to Scotland, as the origin of the surname can be traced back to the country. The name Thornsbrough can also be found in Canada, Australia, and various other countries around the world.
Due to the high rate of immigration, individuals with this last name can be found all over the world today. But still, the last name mainly stands out in the United States, where it is significantly more prominent today than it is in other countries.
Variations of the surname Thornsbrough
Thornsbrough is an English surname derived from the Old Scandinavian personal name, Thorsbjorg. The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include:
Thornsborough, Thornsberry, Thornsbury, Thornsburgh, Thornesborough, Thomsborough, Thornsborrow, Thomsbrough, Thorburn, Thormebloom, Thornberg, Thormeblom, Thorburne, Thornesburgh, Thornesbury, Thorntonburg, Thomsbough, Thorborn, Thormbloom, Thornborough, Thornsbrey, Thorbourn, Thorburn, and Thorngren.
The majority of variants derived from the initial Norse personal name Thorsbjorg, have this element retained; that is, a form of Thor or Thors ( the Scandinavian God of Thunder) with berg ( meaning mountain ). As the name began to spread and evolve, additions from French, German, Scottish and other influences emerge. Such additions include surname elements such as: bourne (stream), brey (bounty), bloem (flower), brough (fortified hill), burn (stream) and gren (branch).
Thornsbrough is usually found in English-speaking countries, including the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and Canada. The name also appears in English-speaking diaspora populations (predominantly descendants of people who have emigrated, particularly during the British Empire era) throughout the world.
Famous people with the name Thornsbrough
- Howard Thornsbrough: football coach and former linebacker for the Cleveland Browns.
- Anna Thornsbrough: A fashion designer who has designed pieces for celebrities such as Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Lopez, and Shania Twain.
- William Thornsbrough: former Lt. Governor of Indiana and Congressman.
- David Thornsbrough: Former Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma.
- Robert Lee Thornsbrough: Former Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
- Paul Thornsbrough: Former mayor of Vincennes, Indiana.
- Richard Thornsbrough: Former President of the United Mine Workers of America.
- Galen Thornsbrough: Former executive director of the Indiana State Police.
- Mary Thornsbrough: 19th century aboriginal activist and subject of the biographical play Gran.
- Patrick Thornsbrough: Waynesville, North Carolina police chief.