Surname Thumbach - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'T'
Thumbach: What does the surname Thumbach mean?
The surname Thumbach is of German origin. It is derived from the name Thumbach, a place name meaning ‘big hill’. The name is also spelled Tumbach and Thümbach, though all three spellings are derived from the same root.
The surname Thumbach is believed to have first appeared in Germany during the Middle Ages. Those bearing the name would have originally been associated with the Thumbach region. It is likely that the family was related to the local area and the nobility who lived nearby. In some instances, Thumbach could refer to someone from any village in the vicinity of Thumbach.
In the United States, the number of people with the Thumbach surname is small. It is mainly found in Pennsylvania, where the original family migrated in the 18th century. It is unclear what prompted the move, but many German families adopted the practice of immigrating to the US to flee religious persecution in their homeland.
Today, the Thumbach name is not particularly common, though descendants of the original family remain living in various parts of the United States. Most have retained some form of the surname, though some have changed it for various reasons. Despite its relative rarity, the name Thumbach is still a noteworthy part of German history and heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisThumbach: Where does the name Thumbach come from?
The surname Thumbach is documented in Germany, most notably in Bavaria. It is thought to have originated in one particular area of Franconia, located in northern Hesse. It is thought to have been derived from the words 'Thun' meaning 'dark' and 'bach' meaning 'stream', suggesting the originates from this area.
Today, the name is spread all over Germany. It is amongst the 50 most common names in Germany and is particularly popular in the municipalities of Stephanopel, Bendestorf, Resnsdorf, Hammerkarben, Eisenach, Kilb, Stadtlohn, and Rhadern. Though records have revealed some instances of the name in other locations around Germany, it is most frequently found in Bavaria.
The name has also seen a presence outside of Germany due to emigration. It can be found in the United States, Canada, Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. In the United States, the surname Thumbach is most commonly found in Michigan, New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.
The name is also present in parts of Austria, Switzerland, and cocialcompact.org/the-last-name-thumbach-common-today- write-maximum-200-words/.
Overall, the name Thumbach is common today in Germany, the United States and other countries, although it appears more frequently in Germany. It is likely derived from a Franconian region, although records have revealed some examples in other locations around the world.
Variations of the surname Thumbach
The surname Thumbach is of German origin. It first appeared in the Middle Ages when surnames began to be used in Europe. Variations in spelling of this surname include Thumbacher, Thumboch, Thumboch, Thynbuch, Thimback, Thimbych, Thimbyk, Thumbleck, and Thumberck.
In the 1300s, the Thumbach family resided in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern which is in present day Germany. Thumbach is also common in Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.
The Thumbach family was part of a knightly class during the Middle Ages, and the earliest record of the name links it to the Ruethen family, with the Thumbach name arising from the Ruethen hereditary name of Thumboch. A man by the name of Hartmann Thumboch was the first to assume the surname in 1288.
During the 1600s, the Thumbachs spread out of Mecklenburg and into other parts of Germany, such as Silesia and Boppard. This expansion may have been due to the Thirty Years’ War, which sent many families fleeing from their homes in search of a better life.
In the 1700s, people with the Thumbach surname emigrated to North America, looking for work and a fresh start. The Thumbachs also moved to South America and Australia.
Overall, the Thumbach surname has many spelling variations. Due to its German origins, it is most common in Germany and throughout Europe. It is also found in North and South America and in Australia, where it has been used since the 1700s.
Famous people with the name Thumbach
- Ryan Thumbach: Professional soccer player, currently on Stanford Men's Soccer team.
- Kurt Thumbach: Austrian visual artist who specializes in contemporary abstract art.
- Derrick Thumbach: American figure skater who is a two-time US National Championship competitor.
- Kai-Uwe Thumbach: Retired German professional footballer.
- Christian Thumbach: German professional snowboarder who has won several international titles.
- Robert Thumbach: American film and television actor who is best known for his roles in Superbad and Sushi Girl.
- Jürgen Thumbach: German Olympian sailor who competed in the 1988 Olympics.
- Fritz Thumbach: Swiss ski jumper who competed in the 1948, 1952 and 1956 Olympics.
- Yannick Thumbach: French professional rugby player who currently plays with the Racing 92 club.
- Christian Thumbach: Former professional German hockey player who has won several championships.