Surname Toenges - Meaning and Origin
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Toenges: What does the surname Toenges mean?
The last name Toenges is believed to originate from northwestern Germany. It was commonly used as a patronymic surname to indicate a relationship or connection to the father. It first appeared as a surname in the Rhineland region by the 15th century. The meaning of the name is thought to derive from the Germanic word "Tong" which translates to "nearby". This may refer to a location near the family's home or to another kin's home.
The name Toenges is also considered to be a derivative of the old German tribe of the Tenkterer, or "Tungerners". The tribe were an offshoot of the Franks who lived mainly in the area of modern day Bavaria. The Tenkterer are believed to have specialized in horticulture and viticulture, growing mostly grapes.
Today, the Toenges name is scattered throughout Germany and across the world, although it is still mainly found in Germany's Rhineland region. The most common concentration is found today in the state of North Rhine Westphalia. Those who bear the name tend to have a close link to their ancestral land and those who know them would likely describe them as loyal and passionate patriots of their home.
Order DNA origin analysisToenges: Where does the name Toenges come from?
The Toenges surname is most commonly found within Germany, the Netherlands, and the surrounding countries in Europe, as well as within the United States. In Germany, the surname is found from North Rhine-Westphalia in West Germany, through the former East Germany, and down to Bavaria. In the Netherlands, it is seen mostly in the Gelderland province. In the United States, the name is spread throughout the Midwest and East Coast, with a significant concentration in South Dakota.
People with the Toenges surname have likely descended from the Dutch surname Toengs, which comes from the Dutch Modele Tengs or Tengse, meaning “the meadow near the headland or promontory.” The German spelling, Toenges, is likely derived from the Dutch variant and is used for the surname’s continued presence in the German population.
The Toenges surname remains a distinct part of the German, Dutch, and American populations even today, along with other variants such as Tings, Teings, and Teens.
Variations of the surname Toenges
The surname Toenges is a German surname that can also be spelled as Toenges, Tonges, Tonnes, Tonges, Toenkes, Taengs, Taing and Thonnes. This surname is most likely derived from the Middle High German word "tunges," which means "sign, demonstration, measure, or standard" and became "Toenges" over time. It was commonly found in the Rhineland-Palatinate region of Germany, though the surname is still found throughout Germany today.
One specimen of the surname can be found in the church records of the Ulmet Family, which date back to 1870, where the surname was spelled as Thonnes. It is likely that the change in spelling occurred due to phonetic sounds or orthographic errors when registering the surname.
Another variant of this surname that is more commonly found is Toenkes, which is also a German name. Toenkes is a patronymic surname, derived from a personal "Toenke," based on the given name of "Theingen or Theodoricus." This variant is more commonly found throughout the Netherlands and can also be spelled as Toenke, Toonke, Tönke, and Tonges.
Another variant of the Toenges surname, Taengs, is a less common variant of this name and is found mainly in the Emsland district of Germany.
In conclusion, the Toenges surname has numerous variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin in both Germany and the Netherlands. Although the surname is most commonly found as Toenges, variants such as Toenkes, Taengs, Tonges, Thonnes, Tonnes, Taing, and Toenke can also be seen.
Famous people with the name Toenges
- Adele Toenges: Adele Toenges is a health and wellness educator and consultant. She focuses on helping people find balance and health in their lives.
- Mark Toenges: Mark Toenges is a photographer and filmmaker based in Los Angeles. He has been creating stunning images for advertising, editorial and commercial markets for over 30 years.
- Kevin Toenges: Kevin Toenges is an entrepreneur and business coach. He helps small business owners to build their businesses and reach their goals.
- Sandy Toenges: Sandy Toenges is a musician and songwriter. She has composed original music for numerous films and television shows.
- Robert Toenges: Robert Toenges is an accomplished jazz saxophonist, having performed with a variety of jazz ensembles throughout his career.
- Jeff Toenges: Jeff Toenges was the founding director of the Music Conservatory of Westchester, a leading music school in New York.
- Margaret Toenges: Margaret Toenges is a historian and author. Her books “Cemeteries Of Pre-Revolutionary America” and “Memorials Of America’s Lost Revolutionaries” are widely acclaimed.
- Richard Toenges: Richard Toenges is a former professional football player. He played for the St. Louis Cardinals for one season in 1982.
- Cora Toenges: Cora Toenges is a former dancer and aerialist. She has performed in numerous live shows and circuses around the world.
- John Toenges: John Toenges is a professional water polo player. He has been a part of several national and international teams, including the United States men's water polo team.