Surname Tier - Meaning and Origin
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Tier: What does the surname Tier mean?
The surname Tier is primarily of German origin. In German, 'Tier' translates to 'animal' in English. surnames were often used as identifiers, describing a person's occupation, place of residence, or personal characteristics. In the case of the surname Tier, it could potentially refer to someone who worked with animals such as a farmer, or it could be a nickname for someone who displayed traits commonly associated with certain animals. Surnames can also be geographic, however, it is less likely with Tier. Like other surnames, it has evolved and branched out over centuries, appearing in various forms and spellings. Thus, the exact meaning and origin can sometimes be hard to pinpoint with absolute accuracy. It is also important to consider regional dialects, local jargon, and cultural influences when interpreting the meaning of ancient and foreign names.
Order DNA origin analysisTier: Where does the name Tier come from?
The last name Tier is a predominantly German surname, and is found mostly in German-speaking countries today. Although there is evidence that the name originated in France in the late Middle Ages, it is more commonly seen in countries with German-speaking populations, such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Luxembourg. It is also seen in specific regions of France, Belgium, and the United States, particularly in areas that experienced immigration from German-speaking countries in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The prevalence of the last name Tier in Germany indicates that it is likely of Germanic origin, although there is also speculation that its roots may ultimately be French due to its cited origin in France. The earliest documented forms of the name were found in fortress records in France, with multiple mentions of Giselbert le Tier and Johannes Tier, among similar variants.
Today, the surname Tier is most visible in Germany and Austria, and is also found in parts of the United States like Wisconsin and South Dakota that experienced heavy German immigration. In addition, it can also be found amongst the Dutch population, which suggests connections between the two countries. While the last name Tier is not as widely spread as some other European surnames, its presence in a number of countries in Europe and North America indicates that it is a still a relatively common name.
Variations of the surname Tier
The surname Tier is derived from the Old Anglo-Saxon words tige or tyger, meaning “hunter”. As a result, there are a number of variants, spellings and surnames that share the same root. Tierney is a common variant spelling of “Tier”, and is the Irish version of the name. It is derived from Mac an Tíre, the patronymic (surname derived from a parent's given name) of an ancient Gaelic clan of Ulster. Tiernay and Tierney are both variations of Tierney, and they are common throughout Ireland. Tierney is also seen as an anglicised version of Mac an Tíre.
Tear is another variant of Tier, which originates from the word tige and Old Welsh word trwy, meaning “direction”. This version of the name can be found in Welsh, where it is spelled as “Teyr”. Tear is also used in some parts of England, and in Ireland it is found as Tearney and Tirney. Teri is a Japanese version of the name, and it is derived from the word “tiger”.
Tyre and Tir are other variants of the name Tier, and they are more common in Scotland. Tyre is the Provencal version of the name, and it is derived from the Latin word tyrius, meaning “hide tanner”. Tir is a Scottish and Irish version of the name that was derived from the Gaelic word tighearna, meaning “lord”.
Tire and Tirel are also variants of the surname Tier. Tire is a French version of the name, and it is derived from the word tyre and Old French word tierce, meaning “a third”. Tirel is an anglicised variant of the name, and it is particularly seen in England, especially in the East Anglia region.
Overall, there are a number of variants, spellings and surnames that derive from the Old Anglo-Saxon “tige” or “tyger”, including Tierney, Tear, Teri, Tyre, Tir, Tire, and Tirel.
Famous people with the name Tier
- Janelle Tier: American TV writer and producer.
- Brendan Tier: Australian Rugby League player
- Julie Tier: former New Zealand professional boxer
- Roy Tier: Australian professional golfer
- Mike Tier: American professional skateboarder
- Jacob Tier: American college basketball player
- Piper Tier: American dancer and fashion model
- Justine Tierney: American singer and actress
- Tricia Tier: American fashion blogger and designer
- Lauren Tierney: American entertainer and actor