Surname Toplin - Meaning and Origin
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Toplin: What does the surname Toplin mean?
The surname Toplin is of Scottish and Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic family name 'Tóplán', which may be translated to mean 'little tup' in English. The name likely came about as a descriptive nickname for a person who was small in stature.
In Scotland, Toplin is derived from the Gaelic expression tò plàin, which means 'round hill.' This surname can also be traced back to Old English origins as an occupational surname for a farmer.
The earliest records of the surname Toplin date back to the 13th century when it is found in Scotland. Several versions of the surname, including Topley, Topliss, Tapplin, Topplin, Toppley and Toppies, can be found in various records from this time period.
As a result of immigration, the Toplin family name can be found in many countries, including Scotland, England, Ireland, the United States and Canada. Many of those bearing the Toplin surname today can trace their roots back to Scotland.
The Toplin family has a strong heritage and roots that extend many centuries, making them a proud family with a fascinating ancestral story.
Order DNA origin analysisToplin: Where does the name Toplin come from?
The last name Toplin is most commonly found in the United States, although it has also been found in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, and Australia.
In the US, Toplin resides primarily in the Midwest and the South, with the highest concentration of the name in West Virginia. West Virginia has 17 Toplin households as of 2020. Other states where Toplin is relatively common include Alabama, North Carolina, Indiana, and Ohio.
In the UK, the Toplin surname is more dispersed, but still quite common in areas of England, such as Liverpool, Oxfordshire, and Nottinghamshire.
The presence of the Toplin surname in other countries like Canada, Ireland, and Australia is minimal compared to the US and UK.
The Toplin surname likely originated in the British Isles, with German and Anglo-Saxon origins. The surname likely originated from the Old English “Topel” – an occupational name for someone who tapped trees for harvesting sap.
Given the modern spread of the surname, those who bear the Toplin surname likely have multiple cultural and ethnic backgrounds. It’s likely the Toplins of the world can trace their family tree to European countries, including Germany, the UK, and the US.
Variations of the surname Toplin
The surname Toplin is a common variant of Toplan, which itself is derived from the Old English word “tōpland”, meaning “top land” or “top cliff.” The surname can also be spelled Toplen and Topplen, and has several alternate surnames of similar origin, such as Topline, Toppline, Toppling, Topplyng, Toplyng, and Topplyn.
This surname was originally an occupational name for someone who worked land at the top of a hill or cliff, such as a farmer or shepherd. The surname is very common in England, Wales, and Scotland in particular, but can also be found in other parts of the English-speaking world, particularly the United States.
In addition, some people of this surname have also adopted spelling and name variations based on other languages and cultures. For instance, Toplin may become Topylin, Topylan, or Topilan in Ukraine or Russia, and Topolinn in Finland or Sweden. In Germany, the surname may also be found as Topliehn, Toplien, and Toplinne.
Finally, Toplin is also a Jewish surname, derived from the Yiddish word “top” meaning “dance”, and denoting someone who was a professional dancer, or someone who was the descendant of such a professional. In this context, the surname can also be spelled Topplein, Topplien, Toplien, Tuplein, or Tupplein.
Overall, the surname Toplin has a range of different variations, spellings, and alternate surnames based on its original roots in England, Wales, and Scotland, as well as based on other cultures and languages.
Famous people with the name Toplin
- Robert Toplin: Robert Toplin was a distinguished historian of the American South, known for his insight into the intricacies of conflicting social forces and the impact of race on public life. He was also an expert on Reconstruction and taught for many years at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
- Ted Toplin: Ted Toplin was a songwriter and record producer who worked with Lonnie Donegan, The Shadows, The Swinging Blue Jeans, and The Beach Boys. He was also a founding member of the British music scene in the early 60s, playing a role in introducing a new type of music to a thriving cultural movement.
- Lee-Ann Toplin: Lee-Ann Toplin is one of the most notable psychotherapists in the United States. She is a professor of psychology at Virginia Wesleyan College and has dedicated her career to helping people suffering from trauma and addiction find their way back into their lives and reclaim their sense of purpose.
- Jonathan Toplin: Jonathan Toplin was an American folk musician and singer/songwriter who was well-known for creating art in relation to his political and social beliefs. He was an advocate for social justice, specializing in the genre of folk-blues and playing with notable artists like Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, and The Band.
- Roberta Toplin: Roberta Toplin was a renowned feminist philosopher whose works focused on the impact of patriarchy on society and the potential for re-imagining a more equitable future. Her teaching at the University of Maryland inspired generations of students to explore new frontiers in feminist writing and activism.