Surname Tapping - Meaning and Origin

Tapping: What does the surname Tapping mean?

The surname Tapping is an English occupational name, often given to someone who worked as a "tapster" or a person who put the tap in an ale cask. It derives from the Olde English pre-7th Century term "taeppa," meaning a peg or spigot for a cask, and the suffix "-ing," denoting a family association or occupation.

Another possible origin of the surname Tapping comes from the Old French "tapon" and Middle English "tappe," indicating a doer or worker and could imply a connection with the cloth or brewing industry, as a tapper could also mean someone who covered fabric or tapped beer casks.

Variations of this surname include Taphouse, Tappin, Tapin, and Tapp. Today, people with this surname can most commonly be found in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, the United States, and New Zealand. The surname became more popular during the 19th century and remains so today.

Tapping: Where does the name Tapping come from?

The last name Tapping is most commonly found in the United Kingdom. It is particularly popular in North-East England, particularly the south of Yorkshire, parts of Lancashire, and the West Midlands. It is also prevalent in Dublin, Ireland.

The family name is thought to have derived from a reference to the traditional English folk-song and dance called "tapping", which likely originated in the Middle Ages. The practice was characterized by people using their feet to move in a figure eight pattern, similar to the steps of a jig. It is believed that the name was given to those who had a natural affinity for this dance.

In the United States, Tapping is a rare name, most likely due to the fact that it is not considered a modern or English sounding surname. In the 2000 U.S. Census, Tapping was recorded as having only 176 people bearing that name. However, in a 2004 survey of ancestry in England, Wales and Scotland, Tapping was listed as having 2,082 people bearing that name. This suggests that the name is particularly popular in Britain and Ireland.

It is possible that the Tapping surname originated in Yorkshire, where the family name appears in records as early as the 14th century. The Tapping family became prominent members of the gentry and aristocracy in the 15th century, and the name was eventually passed down to many generations. The Tapping name can still be found scattered throughout England, Ireland, and other parts of the United Kingdom.

Variations of the surname Tapping

The Tapping surname has many variants, spellings, and associated surnames. Common variants of the name include Tapling, Tappling, Taplin, and Tapley. The spellings of the name, depending on the country of origin, can also differ such as Tepping, Tepling, Tupley, and Tuppen.

Associated surnames of Tapping include Tape, Tapster, and Tapper. Tape is either derived from the Anglo-Saxon word "taeppan," meaning to tap, or from a Germanic tribal name. Tapper is a Dutch variant of the name, derived from the occupation of tapster, or the server of taprooms in taverns.

In Scotland, variants of Tapping include Taep and Tappin. Taep is derived from the Gaelic word "Tappean," meaning a steep or difficult hillside, referring to the original bearers of the name residing near or on such a terrain. Tapson is another variant of Tapping found in Scotland, as is Tapner, a variant from Scotland and northern England, and Tappenoe, a variant from northwest England.

In Wales, variants of Tapping include Teeph and Teppen. Teeph is derived from the Old Welsh word "Tap," meaning to ripple or to flow softly. Teppen is derived from the Welsh word "Tapiau," meaning mountain peaks.

In Ireland, Tapin and Tapion are two variants of the name Tapping. Tapin is derived from the Gaelic phrase "O'Tapain," meaning descendant of Tapan. Tapion is derived from the Gaelic word "Tapaidh," meaning fond of battle or quick to anger.

Yorkshire variants of Tapping include Tapner and Taplin. Tapner is derived from the Old Norse phrase "Tap godra," meaning generous god, while Taplin is derived from the Middle English phrase "Tapland," meaning an area of arable woodland.

Overall, when researching the surname Tapping, many variants, spellings, and associated surnames exist. Depending on the geographical origin of the name, its spelling and associated surnames may differ.

Famous people with the name Tapping

• Amanda Tapping: Canadian actress and director primarily known for her role as Samantha Carter on the Canadian-American military science fiction TV series Stargate SG-1.
• Art Tapping: Award-winning cinematographer best known for his work in the film adaptations of The Sound of Music and Camelot.
• Bruce Tapping: British actor best known for his role in the TV show The Bill.
• Danny Tapping: Former Canadian ice hockey player and coach.
• Mark Tapping: American playwright and lyricist who wrote the musical More Than All the World.
• Matt Tapping: Former American soccer player and current assistant coach at the University of Notre Dame.
• Michael Tapping: Canadian actor best known for his role as Chaos in the TV show Stargate SG-1.
• Reece Tapping: Australian singer, songwriter, and musician with rock band The Amity Affliction.
• Robert Tapping: British actor, most well known for his role as the Duke of Wellington in the TV show Sharpe's Waterloo.
• Stephen Tapping: Canadian actor best known for his role as Kal Penn in the TV show 24.

Other surnames

Tappin