Last names tell stories about families and their histories. Names that start with the letter “T” are unique and interesting. They can often have special meanings or origins that connect to different cultures. Some may come from professions, while others might relate to geographic locations or traits.
Today, we will look at some popular last names that begin with “T.” We will highlight their meanings, origins, and any famous people who bear these names. Whether you’re curious about genealogy or just want to learn more, this list will give you insights into these “T” names and what they represent.
Last Names That Start With T
1. Taylor
The name Taylor is derived from the Old French word ‘tailleur’, which means ‘to cut’. This name often referred to a person who worked as a tailor. It has a rich history and is popular across many cultures.
2. Thompson
Thompson means ‘son of Thomas’. The name Thomas itself means ‘twin’ in Aramaic and is widely used in English-speaking countries, connecting to many families.
3. Turner
The name Turner originally referred to someone who worked with a lathe, a tool used in woodworking. It reflects a specific trade and has become a well-known surname.
4. Taylor
This name has strong English roots and is often associated with craftsmanship. It reflects the historical importance of the tailoring profession and its prevalence in society.
5. Templeton
Templeton combines ‘temple’ and ‘ton’, meaning ‘town’ or ‘settlement’. This surname alludes to a community aspect likely linked to a religious site.
6. Tanner
The Tanner name relates to the profession of tanning leather. During ancient times, this profession was essential, making this name significant historically.
7. Todd
Todd is a unique last name meaning ‘fox’ in Old English. This name could reflect cleverness or cunning nature, drawing on the characteristics associated with foxes.
8. Thornton
Thornton denotes ‘thorn bush farm’ and signifies someone who lived near such an area. The name echoes both environment and habitation.
9. Talbot
The Talbot name has Norman origins and means ‘deliberate’ or ‘strong’. It is associated with nobility and has a rich history in England.
10. Tripp
The last name Tripp may derive from ‘trip’ or ‘to leap’. This surname suggests a lively character or someone who is quick on their feet.
11. Tatum
Tatum has Old English origins, meaning ‘cheerful’ or ‘bring joy’. This name reflects positive traits and can be seen as endearing for families.
12. Trevino
Trevino is a name of Spanish origin meaning ‘three’ or ‘trio’, which can imply a connection to family structures or geographic significance.
13. Thorne
The surname Thorne refers to a thorn bush, emphasizing a natural connection. It can suggest strength and resilience rooted in nature.
14. Tran
Tran is a Vietnamese surname that signifies ‘to cross’ or ‘to go over’. It highlights movement and migration, reflecting the pathways of families.
15. Tilley
The last name Tilley is of English origin and means a ‘house of Tilla’. It indicates a sense of homeliness and family lineage.
16. Tinsley
Tinsley suggests ‘Tynes’ wood clearing, linking it closely to nature and the environment where many families may have lived.
17. Tully
Originating from Ireland, Tully can mean ‘mound’ or ‘hill’, indicating a geographical connection to the environment where the family resides.
18. Trammell
Trammell means ‘to cross’ or ‘a crossing’. This name may evoke images of transport, transition, and journeys through life.
19. Treadwell
Treadwell means ‘someone who treads well’, perhaps connecting to those skilled at walking or navigating different terrains.
20. Taft
Taft is of English origin meaning ‘a dwelling on a river bank’, signaling a close connection to nature and water resources.
21. Tavares
Tavares is of Portuguese origin, relating to a geographical feature. It reinforces the connections to location and landscape.
22. Tedder
The name Tedder has its roots in Old English, meaning ‘a man who is brave’. It reflects courage and strong family heritage.
23. Talley
Talley means ‘to tally or count’, suggesting an association with organization or record-keeping in history.
24. Teixeira
This surname is of Portuguese origin and identifies someone who lives near a ‘fig tree’. It shows a relationship with the natural world.
25. Tapp
The surname Tapp is derived from the Old English word ‘tappa’, meaning ‘a plug’. It can relate to craftsmanship and utility.
26. Timmons
The last name Timmons means ‘the son of Tim’, a diminutive name for Timothy. It highlights family connections and lineage.
27. Tapley
Tapley is an intriguing name that suggests ‘a dwelling on a meadow’. It signifies a close relationship with landscapes.
28. Tiger
The last name Tiger connects to the powerful animal itself. It evokes strength and ferocity associated with the wild.
29. Trippett
Trippett might suggest movement or travel, connecting to those with a sense of adventure and journey in their lineage.
30. Thacker
Thacker refers to someone who thacks or cuts, possibly highlighting a trade or skill in a family’s history.
31. Tillman
Tillman means ‘a farmer’, indicating a connection with agriculture and the lively aspects of managing land.
32. Tubbs
Tubbs is considered a variation of the name ‘Tobias’, meaning ‘God is good’. It embodies a spiritual essence in familial history.
33. Tully
Tully is an Irish name meaning ‘a hill’, symbolizing family strength and a solid foundation rooted in geography.
34. Turcotte
This unique name has French roots and suggests a ‘little Turk’. It indicates cultural and historical nuances regarding identity.
35. Toledo
The surname Toledo has Spanish origins, linked to a city and suggests geographic importance to a family’s heritage.
36. Toomer
Toomer means ‘someone who draws or turns’, linking to artistic or crafting skills prevalent in the family line.
37. Timpano
This surname comes from Italian, which may mean ‘timpani’ or ‘drums’. It connects to musical traditions in the family.
38. Toliver
Toliver is derived from the Old French name ‘Oliver’, meaning ‘olive tree’, symbolizing peace and family roots.
39. Tremont
Tremont means ‘three mountains’, linking to picturesque landscapes and natural surroundings significant to heritage.
40. Tyndall
Tyndall refers to a town or area near ‘Tyndale’, highlighting a geographical relationship contributing to family identity.
41. Trent
The name Trent is linked to the River Trent in England, indicating a familial connection to the land and waterway.
42. Tilley
Tilley is of English origin and signifies a ‘house on a hill’, reinforcing the idea of tradition and residence.
43. Tout
The last name Tout refers to ‘everyone’ in Old English, highlighting the importance of community within family heritage.
44. Trevis
Trevis might be a variation of ‘Travis’, meaning ‘to cross over’. It can signify journeys and transitions in life.
45. Timmons
Timmons indicates ‘the son of Tim’, creating a direct ancestral connection, reflecting the importance of family lineage.
46. Tuck
The last name Tuck is connected to the trade of tucking, suggesting a craft-focused background and skillset.
47. Thornhill
Thornhill relates to a geographical area featuring thorn trees, representing family roots and connections to nature.
48. Taggart
Taggart is an Irish name meaning ‘poet’, highlighting cultural contributions from family members in history.
49. Tyszkiewicz
This Polish surname reflects unique heritage and suggests a connection to a specific community or region.
50. Topping
Topping indicates a position or status within a community, showcasing past prominence in a family history.
51. Trevino
Derived from Spanish, Trevino means ‘three’, linking it with familial structures close to tradition.
52. Timms
The surname Timms indicates ‘the son of Tim’, emphasizing familial ties and continuity across generations.
53. Tabb
Tabb is of English origin, deriving from ‘tabe’, indicating a connection with family professions or status.
54. Trevelyan
Trevelyan refers to someone from ‘Triveliere’, underscoring a geographic origin connected to family history.
55. Talbot
Talbot conveys strength and authority, marking a significant legacy rooted in noble classes of society.
56. Treadway
Treadway means ‘to tread well’, indicating a legacy of careful footfalls and the impact of one’s choices.
57. Taveira
Taveira is of Portuguese origin connecting families with environments rich in flavor and culinary resources.
58. Tullis
Tullis may refer to ‘tulip’ or flower, symbolizing beauty and nurturing roots in family history.
59. Tagaroj
This unique name brings cultural depth, possibly signifying a distinctive heritage and community connections.
60. Turpin
Turpin is of Old French origin, carrying the meaning ‘dark’ and often associated with a powerful historical figure.
61. Tyndale
This surname relates to the famous scholar William Tyndale, showcasing the importance of education in family legacy.
62. Tallman
Tallman signifies a physical feature, likely passed on, linking personalities through described traits.
63. Tribe
The name Tribe reflects community aspects, emphasizing the importance of togetherness and family in history.
64. Tighe
Tighe means ‘poet’, highlighting traditions of storytelling and creativity within a family.
65. Trifonov
This surname reflects Slavic origins, likely indicating connections to specific cultural practices in family history.
66. Tartaglia
Tartaglia signifies ‘stammerer’ in Italian, linking speech and communication to a family’s identity.
67. Tully
Tully can mean ‘hill’ or ‘small tower’, indicating ties to landscape and historical locations where families lived.
68. Topping
This last name evokes images of status or importance within a specific community, indicating a strong family legacy.
69. Thibodeau
Thibodeau is a French surname meaning ‘gift of God’, showcasing familial spiritual connections through generations.
70. Trillium
This name references a flower, representing beauty and family ties to nature and the environment.
71. Tiedemann
This German surname means ‘tied man’, indicating occupational roots that suggest control or significance.
72. Templer
The name Templer may connect to the Knights Templar, showcasing ties to historical events and legacies.
73. Tredegar
Tredegar blends ‘town’ with ‘edge’, highlighting a place where families may have settled throughout time.
74. Trapp
Trapp may reference staircase, symbolizing upward growth and aspirations within family histories.
75. Tamura
Tamura is of Japanese origin, relating to rice fields, indicating deep cultural ties and sustenance.
76. Tully
Tully is deeply tied to Irish heritage, linking name bearers to rich traditions and land.
77. Telford
The surname Telford links back to a river crossing, showcasing family connections to transportation and geography.
78. Torrence
Torrence is derived from ‘torr’, meaning ‘rocky hill’, bringing geography into family history.
79. Trelawny
Trelawny refers to land near the ‘river in the wild’, connecting to nature and environmental heritage.
80. Trask
Trask reflects on craftsmanship with its roots tied to trade skills from earlier generations.
81. Tsaikuliar
This name may carry unique cultural significance, linking families with distinct communities and practices.
82. Tormey
Tormey is an Irish surname derived from ‘the lower ground’, emphasizing geographical and familial significance.
83. Tilley
This name often signifies a connection to ‘fields’, showcasing ties to nature and an agricultural background.
84. Tallman
Tallman indicates a physical feature, carrying its significance through generations and relating to family identity.
85. Targov
Targov has Slavic roots, highlighting travel connections and communities tied to tradition.
86. Tully
As an Irish name, Tully highlights the geographical features often connected to family heritage.
87. Tynan
Tynan is deeply rooted in Ireland, with connections to historical land ownership and family lineage.
88. Tavano
Tavano signifies a profession relating to farming, connecting familial roots with agriculture and land management.
89. Tallow
Tallow connects to an animal product used for candles, emphasizing craftsmanship in family identity.
90. Tharp
This surname suggests a connection to speed or movement, reflecting lively characteristics within the family tree.
91. Thomas
Thomas means ‘twin’, linking to familial connections grounded in historical patronage and lineage.
92. Thornton
Thornton combines ‘thorn’ with ‘town’, connecting communities with natural features found in family history.
93. Tinkler
Tinkler indicates craftsmanship, signifying skills and trades carried down through generations.
94. Tesch
The name Tesch is of German origin, signifying ‘courage’, representing strong familial characteristics.
95. Trumpler
Trumpler is derived from the word ‘trumpet’, often relating to music and cultural heritage in family history.
96. Tomet
This surname conveys a geographical relationship with family heritage, linking communities to certain localities.
97. Ternov
Ternov has Eastern European roots, resonating with distinctive cultural practices passed through generations.
98. Taaffe
This Irish surname relates back to ‘the gleaming’, suggesting belonging to a wealthy or noble family.
99. Torgerson
This name conveys connections to trade routes, emphasizing the importance of commerce in family history.
100. Tobler
Tobler signifies ‘to pursue’, connecting family traits with proactive approaches to life’s challenges.
101. Taplin
Taplin refers to a person making a tapping sound, often denoting connections to musical skill within a family.
102. Taggert
This name comes from ‘the catchy’, indicating a historical connection with possession or land ownership.
103. Todd
Todd is derived from ‘fox’, showcasing clever traits attributed to family members over generations.
104. Tuft
Tuft indicates a person connected to greenery or nature; it reflects a relationship with the environment.
105. Tyra
Tyra reflects vitality and strength, indicating a spirited connection in family history.
106. Tormey
This name has Irish origins, emphasizing family connections amongst communities and their traditions.
107. Thierry
Thierry is of French origin and translates to ‘ruler of the people’, which identifies strength and leadership.
108. Thangavelu
Thangavelu is of South Indian origin, relating to a historical figure of importance in various communities.
109. Trinidad
This surname connects families back to Spain, often highlighting historical migrations and cultural ties.
110. Tiemeier
Tiemeier carries Dutch roots, indicating connections to land management or agricultural trades through history.
111. Thrasher
Thrasher is associated with farming, signifying historical ties to land cultivation and family herb gardens.
112. Turner
Turner refers to a craftsman, indicating a family legacy tied to creative trades and skillful practices.
113. Tindall
Tindall may refer to an area linked to family roots emphasizing the importance of landscapes in identity.
114. Tertuliano
This unique surname signifies ties to religious practices, reflecting faith within family legacy.
115. Truley
Truley indicates a wholesome aspect, connecting families with traditions of honesty and integrity.
116. Truelove
The surname Truelove symbolizes affection, which may highlight deep-rooted family ties through generations.
117. Tippett
Tippett signifies a strong family legacy grounded in artistic traditions or music within history.
118. Topham
The last name Topham denotes ‘high home’, linking to geographical features significant to family identity.
119. Tinkham
Tinkham connects to craftsmanship, suggesting a family of builders or skilled laborers.
120. Tamayo
Tamayo has Spanish origins, often linking back to agricultural roots within familial traditions.
121. Tarkov
Tarkov may indicate strong lineage within Slavic communities, showcasing connections to cultural identity.
122. Trosky
Trosky signifies a family heritage grounded in significant historical figures or events affecting communities.
123. Tobin
Tobin means ‘God is good’, representing spiritual ties contributing to family’s name and values.
124. Traynor
Traynor translates to ‘descendant of Traynor’, emphasizing lineage and ancestral connections.
125. Tiflis
The last name Tiflis reflects a connection with a city in Georgia, highlighting geographical heritage.
126. Tomkins
Tomkins stems from ‘little Tom’, accentuating familial ties within traditional names and lineage.
127. Taillandier
This surname carries French roots, often indicating royal connections with significant historical strengths.
128. Thwaites
Thwaites connects to the land, often indicating places associated with wetland or low ground.
129. Tewksbury
Tewksbury highlights a geographical connection to specific local regions significant in historical context.
130. Tatom
Tatom suggests an old form meaning ‘to cut down’, linking to craftsmanship and trade skills.
131. Toohey
Toohey connects strongly to Irish heritage and is linked to a locality or trade family history.
132. Treston
Treston indicates a relationship with community aspects tied to land ownership and settlement.
133. Toppan
The surname Toppan may refer to the top of a hill, emphasizing geographical significance in family identity.
134. Tarantino
This popular Italian surname connects families back to arts and creativity within historical contexts.
135. Trotter
This last name relates to movement or traveling, often indicating traits of adventure and exploration.
136. Tremper
Tremper indicates connections to travel or trade routes significant in cultural lineage through history.
137. Tipton
Tipton signifies a close-knit community aspect and reinforces the importance of familial ties across generations.
138. Tsonkov
Tsonkov reflects cultural identity and heritage connected to specific communities or regions.
139. Tritt
The surname Tritt emphasizes connections to craftsmanship, potentially indicating a family of builders or tradespeople.
140. Taubman
Taubman connects to artisan practices highlighting creativity and craftsmanship passed down through generations.
141. Toulouse
This French surname connects families back to the historical city of Toulouse, emphasizing cultural significance.
142. Tysabuk
The name Tysabuk resonates with historical strengths connecting families within specific cultural practices.
143. Trilby
Trilby describes someone who lives near a river, creating ties to landscapes important to family identity.
144. Taavola
This name has Finnish roots meaning ‘village’, indicating connections to community living and heritage.
145. Tolchenov
This surname showcases strong ties to cultural practices and communities within its historical context.
146. Tybadl
Tybadl connects uniquely to office roles or important economic activities throughout its lineage.
147. Toner
The last name Toner links to craftsmanship in pottery or trade practices relevant to family heritage.
148. Tusk
Tusk refers to family traits connecting to strength, often symbolizing pride in lineage.
149. Throughton
Throughton indicates a strong focus on family connections shaped through specific pathways or travels.
150. Tyler
The name Tyler means ‘one who tiles’, commonly associated with craftsmanship and skill rooted in family history.
Final Thoughts
Names that start with the letter T have rich meanings and historical significance, often connecting to professions, locations, or traits. From Taylor to Todd, each name reveals a story about the families who have borne these names through generations.
Throughout our exploration of last names beginning with T, we’ve learned how these names are not just identifiers but reflections of heritage and culture. Each name carries the weight of history, often tied to trades, land, or personal traits that have defined family legacies.
Understanding these names can encourage you to dive deeper into genealogy or simply appreciate the stories behind them. If you’re interested in exploring similar topics, you might want to check out our article on last names that have special meanings or last names that mean fire. There is always more to discover about our names and their origins!