Surname Tharkenton - Meaning and Origin

Tharkenton: What does the surname Tharkenton mean?

The surname Tharkenton does not have a readily available meaning as it's not a common or widely studied last name. It's most known through retired professional American football player, Fran Tarkenton, which might suggest American or Northern European origins, possibly Scandinavian. Surnames typically denote occupations, geographical locations, or father's names, but Tharkenton does not appear to align with any known professions, places, or personal names. Results may vary with deeper genealogical research, as meanings and origins can be lost or transformed over generations and migrations. Spellings can be altered over time, making the original meaning hard to trace. Some sources suggest it could be a patronymic surname where “-son” denotes “son of,” but the root “Thark-” could not be recognized. It's also possible that Tharkenton is a unique compound surname or completely invented. In any case, more specific information on its meaning or origins is not found in standard sources, which highlights the diversity and complexity of surname origins.

Tharkenton: Where does the name Tharkenton come from?

The last name Tharkenton is thought to have originated in the United Kingdom, likely the English counties of Lincolnshire or Hertfordshire. It is most commonly seen in the United States today, particularly in the states of Wisconsin and Minnesota. In Wisconsin, the highest concentrations of the Tharkenton surname appear in the counties of Eau Claire, Green, Orange, Sheboygan, Dane and Dane. Minnesota is home to the greatest number of individuals bearing the Tharkenton name. This includes such areas as Hennepin, Anoka, Washington, Isanti, and Carver Counties. The Tharkenton family also appear in other states, such as Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, and North Carolina. The Tharkenton clan are part of larger emigrant communities, usually with generations having occupied the same geography for a number of decades and even centuries.

The name Tharkenton, is still carried by many individuals throughout the US, especially in the Midwest. The Tharkenton surname represents a long line of tradition and heritage and carries on the values and legacy of those that came before.

Variations of the surname Tharkenton

Tharkenton is a surname with various variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.

The most common variant of Tharkenton is Tharrington. This was the spelling used by early immigrants to Britain after the Norman Conquest and remained popular in England for centuries. Other variations in spelling include Tharringtun, Tharkingtun, and Tharckington.

In Scotland, the spelling was changed to Tharkentoun. This variant became so common in Scotland that it was adopted as the main spelling for the surname in Scotland.

Surnames of the same origin as Tharkenton are also found in Ireland, the United States, and France. In Ireland, the surname was usually spelled Tharnton, Tarnton or Tarntan.

In America, Tharnton became Thornton and many immigrants with the surname settled in the Southern states, and some changed their name to Thornton.

In France, Tharkenton is usually found as Tarques or Tarquis.

In the Netherlands, the surname is usually spelt as Thaaringten or Thaarringen.

Finally, in other parts of Europe, the surname can also take the form of Tarkvist, Tarkovič, Thorke or Thuring.

Famous people with the name Tharkenton

• Fran Tarkenton: former NFL quarterback and Hall of Fame inductee with the Minnesota Vikings.
• Lila Tarkenton: American author and former radio host of the show, 'At Home With Fran and Lila'.
• Sara Tarkenton: American singer and actress.
• Morgana Tarkenton: American soap opera actress.
• Susan Tarkenton: Holder of the 2017 Guinness World Record for the largest collection of spoons.
• Chris Tarkenton: Actor with the award winning film Postcards from the Edge.
• Elizabeth Tarkenton: Executive Vice President at Georgia Power.
• Patrick Tarkenton: Editor and Fine Art photographer.
• Alex Tarkenton: Business Owner, Entrepreneur, and Host of the popular business podcast The Alex Tarkenton Show.
• Garnet Tarkenton: Football Player, Son of Fran Tarkenton.

Other surnames

Tharkengton