Surname Terwillegar - Meaning and Origin

Terwillegar: What does the surname Terwillegar mean?

The surname Terwillegar is of Dutch origin, derived from the location Ter Wille. In the Dutch language "ter" means "at" and "wille" translates to "will" or "desire". Therefore, the name could be interpreted to mean "at the will or desire". However, it's important to note that exact meanings of surnames can often be lost over centuries of cultural and linguistic evolution. The name Terwillegar is prevalent in areas of historic Dutch settlement, including the northeastern United States and Canada. There's also a district named Terwillegar Towne in the city of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, named after Dr. Norman L. Terwillegar (1887–1948), a prominent local physician and surgeon. Nonetheless, the surname is relatively rare and its exact historical origins and meanings may vary based on different family lines.

Terwillegar: Where does the name Terwillegar come from?

The last name Terwillegar is primarily found in the United States and Canada today. The Terwillegar name originated in Aberdeen, Scotland, and was thought to be derived from the Gaelic name MacTharlagain.

In the US, the largest concentrations of people bearing the Terwillegar name are in the states of North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. The highest concentrations of Terwillegars are found in the mid-Atlantic region, but it is still present in other regions, including the Midwest and Southwest.

In Canada, the terrain is most heavily concentrated in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. Canadian Terwillegars are of mostly British descent and are connected to their American cousins through immigration.

Since the name is not particularly common, many with the name are related to each other through descent and are scattered throughout the North American continent. Some have even ventured to other countries like Australia and New Zealand.

So the last name Terwillegar can be found across North America in small to moderate numbers, and it’s still connected to its roots in Aberdeen, Scotland.

Variations of the surname Terwillegar

The surname Terwillegar has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the High Middle Ages. The spelling and pronunciation of the surname has evolved over time, and there are a number of variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.

The original spelling of the surname is Terwillegar, but it has also been spelled as Turwillegar, Tarwillegar, and even Terwilliger. Additionally, there are other variants such as Terwinkle, Twellegar, Tillegar, Twilliger, Terilligar, and Terrilligar.

The surnames of the same origin include surnames derived from similar-sounding place names, such as Terwilliger and Turwilliger, Thywilliger, Thurwilliger, Terrilliger, Terkel, Terwilligar, Terwillinger, and Terwlinge.

The moniker Terwillegar is of British origin, although it is also found in other countries as well. It is derived from the Old English words “twelf” meaning twelve and “leger” meaning dwelling place. This can also be translated as a “place of twelve dwellings,” likely referring to the medieval manorial system of Britain.

The surname Terwillegar likely grew in popularity after the Norman conquest of Britain in 1066 and may have been used to denote a family dwelling in a particular shire in England. The coat of arms of the family is often found in artwork, and it depicts three silver stars on a blue background with a gold band.

No matter the spelling, pronunciation, or variation, the surname Terwillegar is undoubtedly of great historical significance and continues to exist and evolve to this day.

Famous people with the name Terwillegar

• Dr. Michael Terwillegar: A professional dentist and founder of Terwillegar Dental Group in Edmonton, Alberta.
• Paul Terwillegar: An actor best known for his work in the 2010 motion picture Kill for Me, as well as the television series True Blood.
• Shawn Terwillegar: An X-Games skateboarding champion.
• Terry Terwillegar: An American entrepreneur and CEO of Selfless Brand Inc.
• John Terwillegar: An American football player who played two seasons in the NFL as a defensive end for the Indianapolis Colts.
• Tom Terwillegar: A professional speedboat racer and World Champion in the Grand Prix Powerboat Racing Series.
• Mike Terwillegar: A Gibraltarian national sportsman and captain of the Gibraltar Senior national Basketball team from 2001-2009.
• Roy Terwillegar: A Canadian sailor and multiple Soling World and North American Championship winner.
• Judy Terwillegar: An American abstract expressionist painter.
• Michele Terwillegar: An American politician who served as the lieutenant governor of Indiana from 1994-1996.

Other surnames

Terwillegan