Surname Thöws - Meaning and Origin
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Thöws: What does the surname Thöws mean?
The last name Thöws is of German origin and is thought to be a derivation of the personal name 'Thudow', which is derived from the Old German phrase 'thu thiodo', which translates in English to mean 'people's servant'. This suggests that Thöws is likely an occupational surname indicating an individual who served the community or was employed as a civil servant.
The use of 'Thöws' today is primarily found in the German states of Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony. It is not a common name within Europe but is believed to have originated in northern Germany sometime in the Middle Ages.
Alternative spellings of Thöws include Thowes, Thaews, Thauss, Thaus, Thows, Thausser, Thos and Thous. It is possible that variations in the spelling of the name occurred due to differences in regional dialects.
The surname Thöws is sometimes associated with the region of Westphalia, which is in the northwestern part of Germany. Although the exact origin of the name is unknown, it is clear that it has considerable history in the area.
Today, the name Thöws is most commonly found among those of German descent in North America. In particular, the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri and Kansas are the most likely places to find someone with the surname.
Order DNA origin analysisThöws: Where does the name Thöws come from?
The last name Thöws is most commonly found in Germany and other German-speaking countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. However, due to emigration, the name is also found in countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia.
In Germany, the last name originated in the northern and eastern parts of the country, including cities like Berlin, Hamburg, Bremen, and Potsdam. This is where some of the earliest records of the name appear, with people with the surname Thöws living in these cities in the 1300s and 1400s.
The name can also be found in the American states of Wisconsin, Michigan, Missouri, and Ohio and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and British Columbia. Most of these immigrants came to these regions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily from Germany.
In Australia, the Thöws name is mostly found in New South Wales and Victoria. Most of these immigrants are believed to have come from Germany and Prussia (present-day Poland) around the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily to find new economic opportunities.
Overall, it can be said that the last name Thöws is quite widespread worldwide, with its origins firmly rooted in Central Europe.
Variations of the surname Thöws
The surname Thöws is a German surname derived from the Middle High German word ‘thuwes’ which means ‘servant.’ Variants of the surname Thöws can be found throughout various parts of Germany and other parts of Europe. Some of the other variants of the name Thöws include Thoews, Thoeß, Thöß, Thoeße, Thuews, Thuwes, Thews, Thewes, Tihews, Tehews, Thues, and Tuews.
In some cases, the variants of the surname Thöws have evolved and branched out over time, giving rise to an array of surnames, such as Thoms, Thomson, Thompson, Toms, Tompkins, Tompkinson, Tomlin, Toland, and even Tolande. Some of these surnames are still found in Germany and Austria today, as well as in other European countries.
The variant ‘Thoms’ of the surname Thöws is particularly common in Germany and is believed to have originated as an English version of the Germanic name, Thiemo or Thiemso. Other variants of the Thoms surname are Thomes, Thistle, Tholen, Tholens, Thola, Thomason, Thømson, Thomasse, Thomassen, Thon, Thomics, and Thonemann.
The variant ‘Tomson’ of the surname Thöws is commonly found in Scandinavian countries, and could originate from the Old Danish byname Tomse, which itself is derived from the Old Norse name Tomi. Other variants of Tomson include Tomsen, Tomsen, Tweidsen, Thompson, Tomkins, and Tomkinson.
In addition, the variant ‘Thompson’ is now commonly found in English-speaking countries, and is believed to be derived from a Scottish patronymic meaning ‘son of Thommas’. Variants of Thompson include Tomson, Thomason, Thomasson, Thomison, and Thompsen.
Overall, the surname Thöws and its variants have branched out to form an array of spellings and surnames, which is a testament to its long history and international reach.
Famous people with the name Thöws
- Heinrich Thöws: German film director famously known for the movie Der Tod des Ahasver.
- Rökko Thöws: Dutch theatre and film actor and director.
- Jennifer Thöws: German singer/songwriter, actress and model.
- Andreas Thöws: German billionaire and the current vice chairman of the Thöws Group.
- Adolf Thöws: German mathematician and philosopher.
- Christiaan Thöws: Dutch painter and sculptor.
- Heinz Thöws: German athlete and former Olympic gold medalist.
- Sigrid Thöws: German artist.
- Wilhelmine Thöws: German businesswoman and political leader.
- Hans Thöws: German diplomat.