Surname Tindell - Meaning and Origin
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Tindell: What does the surname Tindell mean?
The last name Tindell is an English surname originating from Somerset, a county in South West England. The name has its roots in the Anglo-Saxon culture, being derived from the Old English words “tin”, meaning “mud”, and “tune”, meaning “hill” or “mountain”. This combination, therefore, refers to someone who lived near or on a hill or mountain of mud. Historically, despite its Old English heritage, the name is thought to have been used throughout the Middle Ages and is still quite common today, particularly in southern England.
The majority of individuals bearing the surname Tindell, are believed to have been farmers or labourers in or around Somerset. This is supported by evidence in historic records of occupation, suggesting the surname Tindell served as an element of property names in the county or served as an occupational location. The most recurring occupation of those with this surname in the 18th and 19th centuries was agriculture, implying those living on or near the “mud hill” grew crops or raised livestock for their livelihood.
Given the broadness of the English historic period, the surname Tindell has developed a diverse range of alternate spellings over the centuries. Examples of these include Tendell, Tyndall, Tindale and Tinkell, amongst a variety of others. As a result of migratory patterns within the UK and beyond, the surname is understood to be relatively widespread in the present day.
Order DNA origin analysisTindell: Where does the name Tindell come from?
The last name Tindell is most commonly found in the United States, according to the US Census Bureau. The 2020 census data reported there were over 2,600 individuals with the surname Tindell living across the country.
The majority of Tindells can be found in the southern states such as Texas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. In fact, over 1,000 of them reside in Texas alone. Following close behind are South Carolina, Georgia, and Arkansas, which are home to 682, 218, and 139 Tindells respectively.
Tindells can also be found in smaller numbers elsewhere across the US such as California, Illinois, Ohio, New York, and many other states.
Back in the early nineteenth century, it is believed that the Tindells were among the earliest settlers from Europe in the south. Many of them settled in rural parts of states like Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia. They developed small towns around them that are still recognized places today.
Today, Tindells continue to live and work throughout the US in many different professions and roles. Though most of them are dispersed throughout the country, their legacy lives on as many of them having kept their family in the same areas since the early twentieth century.
Variations of the surname Tindell
The surname Tindell is believed to have several variants and spellings that originated from the same root. The most common variant of this surname is Tindall. This variation may be derived from the Old English word “tindel”, which refers to a hillside or ridge. Other variants and spellings include Tindle, Tindel, Tyndall, and Tyndell.
Tindle is another common variation of the surname Tindell. It is thought to have derived from the Old English word “tine”, meaning clearing. This surname is likely to have originated as a way of indicating someone who lived in or near a clearing.
The surname Tyndall is also believed to have the same origin as Tindell. This variant is likely to have derived from the Old English words “tine” and “dael”, meaning swale or a narrow valley. It is likely to have been given to someone who lived in or near a vale.
The surname Tindel is relatively rare, but it too is thought to have the same root as Tindell. This spelling variation is thought to have derived from the Old English words “teon” and “daele”, meaning clearing or valley. It is likely to have been given to a person who lived near a valley.
Finally, Tyndell is a spelling variation of the surname Tindell that is thought to have descended from the Old English words “tine” and “dell”, meaning a deep valley. This surname is believed to have been given to someone who lived in or near a deep valley.
Overall, the surname Tindell is likely to have several variants and spellings that have all descended from the same root. These variations include Tindall, Tindle, Tindel, Tyndall, and Tyndell, all of which are believed to have referred to people who lived in or near a clearing, hillside, ridge, valley, or swale.
Famous people with the name Tindell
- Justin Tindell: American entrepreneur, CEO, and best-selling author
- Pat Tindell: British stage and television actor
- Michael Tindell: former Major League Baseball first baseman
- Barry Tindell: former professional American football player
- Brian Tindell: American Christian scholar and chancellor
- Jack Tindell: American actor, playwright and director
- Edward Tindell: British professional footballer
- Ella Tindell: American painter and illustrator
- Gary Tindell: Australian Olympic race walker
- Ruth Tindell: Australian author and professor