Surname Tiggelers - Meaning and Origin

Tiggelers: What does the surname Tiggelers mean?

The last name Tiggelers is of Dutch origin and can be found in the Netherlands, Belgium, and other parts of Europe. The name means ‘little tile maker’ and was likely a occupational name for someone who made tiles as part of their trade. It is sometimes also spelled as Tegelers or Tegelmans.

Some potential forefathers of those bearing the last name Tiggelers likely lived as far back as the 17th century. During that time, the Netherlands was one of the major trading ports in Europe and they were known to produce some of the finest tiles around. The craftsmen of that time may have been among the ancestors of the Tiggelers name, having created and sold the highly sought-after tiles that were often used to decorate homes and public buildings.

The connection to Europe’s legacy of tile making is not only historically significant, it can also be found in modern art. The Tiggelers family name can be found represented in colorful tile artworks, created by Dutch contemporary artists and inspired by age-old tile traditions. These works celebrate the vibrant visual history of the country and serve as a reminder that tile making has been practised in Europe for centuries.

The last name Tiggelers carries a lot of rich cultural heritage with it and is a testament to the skills of generations of tile makers from the Netherlands and beyond.

Tiggelers: Where does the name Tiggelers come from?

The last name Tiggelers is common today primarily in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. It is derived from the Dutch family name Tigchelaer, which is related to the Middle Dutch name Tighelaar or Tiegeler; both mean ‘tile-maker’. The surname was generally given to someone involved in making or selling tiles.

Today, the surname is much less common in its original tile-making sense, but is still quite popular in the Netherlands. According to reports, it is currently the 471st most popular surname in the Netherlands, with 24,313 people registered with that surname.

In Belgium too it is still relatively widespread, with reports from 2020 citing it as the 814th most popular Belgian surname. It is also relatively common in Germany, having been adopted by Dutch migrants looking for employment around Westphalia during the eighteenth century.

Tiggelers may also have spread to other countries due to people migrating over the centuries. Wherever one may find people of Dutch, Belgian, or German ancestry, one may find the Tiggelers surname.

Variations of the surname Tiggelers

The surname Tiggelers is an ancient Dutch surname of patrilineal origin. It is believed to be derived from the Dutch word "tigge," meaning a bundle of signed documents or a bundle of straw and later came to refer to a bailiff or justice of the peace. Variants, spellings and other surnames of the same origin include Tiggelaar, Tigelaar, Tigeler, Tigler, Tigleman, Tigelman, Teigeler, Tiegeler, Tiggler, Teigelman, Tegelaar, Tigleman, Teigleman and Tiegelman.

In various countries, such as the Netherlands, Germany, and the United States, certain variants of Tiggelers have become famous. For example, in the Netherlands, Tiggelaar and Tigelaar are much more common than Tiggelers. In Germany, Tigler is the preferred spelling, while in the United States, Tiggler is the most popular.

Most Tiggelers surnames can be traced back to the 17th century, when the Netherlands was part of the Spanish Empire. The family likely originated in the region of Friesland, located in modern-day Netherlands. Many variations of the name have developed over time as the family spread to other countries, including Germany and the United States.

In the United States, Tiggler is the most popular spelling, although the alternate spellings are also quite common. Despite the various spellings, all Tiggelers surnames have the same origin and are derived from the Dutch word "tigge," which describes a bundle of documents or straw.

Famous people with the name Tiggelers

• Reinier Tiggelers: Dutch footballer who plays for FC Emmen and the Netherlands U-20 national team.
• Jeroen Tiggelers: Dutch-born singer-songwriter.
• Bas Tiggelers: Dutch professional banker and boxer.
• André Tiggelers: Dutch professional judoka and MMA fighter.
• Rokus Tiggelers: Dutch orthopedist and martial artist.
• Jelle Tiggelers: Dutch environmental scientist and sustainability expert.
• Willem Tiggelers: Dutch actor and director.
• Martin Tiggelers: Dutch businessman and former television executive.
• Jan Tiggelers: Dutch politician and civil rights activist.
• Emile Tiggelers: Dutch football coach and former footballer.

Other surnames

Tiggeler