Surname Thönniss - Meaning and Origin
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Thönniss: What does the surname Thönniss mean?
The last name Thönniss is a German surname derived from the Jewish Ashkenazic personal name Toni. It is thought to have originated from the Latin name Antonius and is likely derived from a Greek word meaning “invaluable.” The surname has been found in Germany since the mid-1700s.
The Thönniss surname is believed to have been adopted by Jewish immigrants who were likely living in Germany during the 18th century. The name was used to adapt to their German-speaking surroundings and was likely an adaptation of the Ashkenazic personal name Toni. There is a great deal of speculation regarding the meaning and origin of the name Toni, but it is thought to be derived from the Latin name Antonius, likely referring to the Greek word “anthos” which means “invaluable” or “precious”.
The surname Thönniss has been found in Germany since the mid-1700s, however, its presence is documented earlier in other countries. In the Netherlands, the surname is recorded as early as the mid-1500s, with a Denis Thoniss of Gelderland baptized on August 25, 1553. In England, as well, there are records dating back to the 1500s of a Johannes Tonss, who was a batterwood seller licensed at Ipswich in 1558.
The Thönniss surname is still popular in Germany today, though it is rare in other countries. Nevertheless, those who bear the name can be proud of their unique heritage. In a world that is becoming increasingly connected, it is rare to find a name with such a rich history, steeped in culture and tradition.
Order DNA origin analysisThönniss: Where does the name Thönniss come from?
The last name Thönniss is most commonly found in Germany, as well as throughout the rest of Europe. It is also a fairly common last name in North and South America, especially in countries with a large German-speaking population, such as Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Mexico.
In Germany, Thönniss is most commonly found in the states of Bavaria, Thuringia, and Saxony, but it is also present in the other regions. The highest concentration is found in the state of Bavaria, especially around the cities of Munich, Augsburg, and Nuremberg.
In North America, the last name is most common in the United States and Canada, with the highest concentration of people named Thönniss found in the states of Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, and Minnesota. There are also smaller pockets of people with this last name living in parts of the Northeast, especially around New York and Pennsylvania, as well as in Texas, Oklahoma, and areas of the Southwest.
In South America, the last name is most common in Argentina and Brazil, as well as in parts of Chile, Peru, and Bolivia. It is also present in Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela, although it is much less common than in other areas.
Given the prevalence of the last name throughout Europe, North America, and South America, it is clear that the Thönniss family is quite widespread.
Variations of the surname Thönniss
The surname Thönniss is often spelled as Thoeniss, Thoenniss, Thonniss, and Thoniss. It is also sometimes found with the spelling variations Thoennes, Thoennes, Thoennies, and Thiebaut.
This surname was primarily found in Belgium and Germany, and is of Germanic and Teutonic origin. It is thought to have originally come from the German word "tonius" which means "valiant". This makes the surname Thönniss essentially mean "valiant" or "brave one". It is likely that the family who adopted this surname chose it in order to declare their bravery and strength.
This surname can also be found as forms of the name Thon. Variations of this name include Thönnies, Tohny, Thonas, Thies, Thyssen, and Thone. In some cases, the surname is also spelled and pronounced as Thune. The German and Dutch spelling of Thoon is common as well.
The varieties or styles of spelling and surnames of the same origin demonstrate the kind of variation that can be expected in the surname over time, and among different cultures and locations. Despite the variations, the surname Thönniss unites its members and offers insight into their distant ancestry, helping to connect them to the same lineage.
Famous people with the name Thönniss
- Lena Thönniss: German photographer and artist art educator
- Fabian Thönniss: German investor and venture entrepreneur
- Johannes Thönniss: German golfer
- Peter Thönniss: German actor and rock singer
- Thorsten Thönniss: German lawyer and politician
- Katja Thönniss: German footballer
- Gaby Thönniss: German opera singer
- Helmut Thönniss: German film director
- Sebastian Thönniss: German TV presenter
- Rikard Thönniss: Swedish footballer