Surname Tompkins - Meaning and Origin

A Journey into the Ancient Roots of the Tompkins Name via iGENEA DNA Test

Recently, I took a DNA test at iGENEA to explore my genealogical roots and delve deeper into the origins of my surname, Tompkins. Through autosomal, Y-DNA and mtDNA analysis, I was fortunate to gain a well-rounded understanding of my genetic makeup. The results unveiled surprising details about my ancestral history and illuminated the ancient roots of the Tompkins name.

S. Tompkins

Tompkins: What does the surname Tompkins mean?

The surname Tompkins is of English origin and is often identified as a patronymic last name, indicating it was derived from a male ancestor's name. In this case, Tompkins is believed to derive from Thomas, a personal name of biblical origin meaning "twin", and the diminutive suffix "-kin", which means "little" or "son of". Thus, the surname essentially means 'son of little Thomas' or 'son of Thomas.' The "-s" at the end further shows the genitive (possessive) case, emphasizing the patronymic heritage. It was a common practice in medieval England to form diminutive patronymic surnames by adding "-kin". This surname has several spelling variations, including Tomkins, Thompkins, and Tompkyns among others, reflecting the lack of standardization in spelling in early historical periods. Overall, the name Tompkins is a good example of how surnames evolved in European societies to signify relationships or descent.

Tompkins: Where does the name Tompkins come from?

The last name Tompkins is most commonly found in the United States. According to the United States Census Bureau, the name Tompkins is the 364th most common surname in the US with a population of approximately 52,731 people in 2018.

The geographical distribution of the name is quite widespread in the USA. Tompkins families can be found in most states, but the highest concentrations are found in Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, and Iowa. In fact, the city of Tompkinsville, Kentucky was named after a prominent family who settled there back in the mid-1800s.

The Tompkins name can also be found in Canada, particularly in the province of British Columbia. In addition, this surname can be found in England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

The Tompkins last name is most likely connected to the Old English words for “small town” or “village” and the word “kinsman.” Thus, the origin of the name suggests that it was originally used to identify someone who either lived in or was from a small village. It is likely that many Tompkins families in the US were among the first batch of immigrants to the New World, originating from Britain.

Variations of the surname Tompkins

The surname Tompkins has many variants and spellings, often with different origins. The most common variants are Tomkins, Tomkinson, Tompkins, Tomikins, Tomkyns and Tomkinsone.

Along with the surname, there are a variety of secondary surnames or diminutives which can also be found with the same origin. These include Tompkin, Tomson, Tompson, Tomkin, Thompson, Tomsonne, and Thomkinsone.

The origin of the surname Tompkins usually traces back to the Old English pre 7th century words "tom", meaning "twin", and "kin", meaning "kinsmen". In other cases, the surname may come from a location in England, such as Tomkinstown in Kent, which derived from the Old English "tom", meaning "to cut off" or "to prune", and "cin", meaning"a valley".

Within the United States, it is widely known that the surname Tompkins is a patronymic surname of Dutch origin. The origin of this surname links to the personal name "Tomme" or "Tommen", derived from the Germanic suffix "kin", meaning "kinsmen".

The surname Tompkins is also commonly found in French Canadian communities as "Tompon". Here the surname is derived from the old French personal name "Thomme" or "Thomas".

The many variants, spellings, and surnames associated with the same origin can make it difficult to determine the exact location and origin of the surname Tompkins. However, with a thorough research of family records and other resources, a person can trace their lineage back to a specific origin.

Famous people with the name Tompkins

1.Eva Tompkins: professional British speedrunner, well known for her amazing ability to beat classic Super Mario games in record-breaking times. 2.Paulette Tompkins: the pioneering entrepreneur and former CEO of Coops, Inc., one of the first minority owned businesses to thrive in the burgeoning computer industry in the 1980s. 3.Janiece Tompkins: the acclaimed model, philanthropist, and animal rights activist, who is also the founder of the cruelty-free clothing line, Barely There. 4.Will Tompkins: the award-winning author whose bestsellers include the novels The Secret Life of Gilbert Appleby and The Fox and His Shadow. 5.Benedict Tompkins: the celebrated actor, producer, and director best known for his work in groundbreaking television shows such as The Wire and Boardwalk Empire. 6.Isaiah Tompkins: former professional American football player who played for the Denver Broncos for two seasons and is now a college football coach. 7.Roman Tompkins: professional soccer player who currently plays for SV Waldhock in Germany’s Oberliga South. 8.Megan Tompkins: the famed Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter whose music has been featured in movies such as Twilight and Crazy Rich Asians. 9.Sabrina Tompkins: the internationally renowned fashion designer who has dressed numerous celebrities including Taylor Swift and Beyoncé. 10.Peter Tompkins: the veteran journalist and author who has written extensively on science and the paranormal.

Other surnames

Tompkin