Origin & Meaning of the Tonkin Surname
What does the last name Tonkin mean?
The surname Tonkin carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 1,900 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Tonkin ranks as the #15,418 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Tonkin come from?
The Tonkin surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Tonkin name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Tonkin trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Tonkin |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #15,418 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,900 |
| Per 100K People | 0.64 |
| First Letter | T |
Ethnic Distribution of Tonkin
According to the US Census, the Tonkin surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,900 Americans with the Tonkin last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.68% |
| Hispanic | 2.21% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.89% |
| Two or More Races | 1.84% |
Popularity of Tonkin Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Tonkin surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Tonkin surname increased by 40 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Tonkin Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Tonkin ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Tonkin Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Tonkin Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Tonkin
- ✓ The Tonkin coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Tonkin families live today
- ✓ Notable Tonkin bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Tonkin
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Tonkin.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Tonkin.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tonkin
Top Surnames Starting with T
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter T, ranked by population.
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