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Sign up freeTonkin Family Genealogy & History
Discover the Global Legacy of the Tonkin Surname
The Tonkin surname, with its earliest roots in England during the 15th century, is a fascinating topic for genealogy enthusiasts. Unlike its association with the northern region of Vietnam, the English Tonkin name likely originated from personal or geographical identifiers. Over time, it became an integral part of English society, marking the lineage and history of families through generations.
Throughout the subsequent centuries, the Tonkin name evolved and spread across various regions. Within England, the surname became prominent in both rural and urban areas, particularly during the 16th and 17th centuries. This period saw the Tonkin family branching into different trades and occupations, contributing to the local communities and expanding the family tree. By the 19th century, the surname began to appear outside of England, as families migrated to new regions, including the United States, where the Tonkin name continued to flourish.
YourRoots data enriches our understanding of the Tonkin family tree by confirming its English origins and providing insights into its spread over the centuries. The dataset highlights how the surname expanded beyond its initial location, establishing new roots in North America and other regions. With comprehensive records available through YourRoots, researchers can delve into the Tonkin genealogy, tracing their lineage and connecting with the broader family narrative.
For those interested in exploring their family history, the Tonkin genealogy records in the YourRoots database offer valuable resources. By uncovering personal connections and historical contexts, researchers can gain a deeper appreciation of their heritage and the enduring legacy of the Tonkin family across generations.
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CTChristiana Anne Tonkin1645–1735Public Tree Person4 treesScore: CCTChristiana Anne Tonkin1645–1735Public Tree Person4 treesScore: C
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ETEdward Tonkin1619–1690Public Tree Person3 treesScore: CETEdward Tonkin1619–1690Public Tree Person3 treesScore: C
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ATAda Elizabeth Tonkin1906–1977Individual Tree PersonParents: John Tonkin & Susan TonkinSpouse: William LangstaffChildren: Mona, SusanScore: AATAda Elizabeth Tonkin1906–1977Individual Tree PersonParents: John Tonkin & Susan TonkinSpouse: William LangstaffChildren: Mona, SusanScore: A
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ATAdelaide (Ada) Tonkin1864–1938Individual Tree PersonParents: Philip Tonkin & Mary HarrySpouse: John TrewavasChildren: Elswitha, Charles, Philip, WilfredScore: AATAdelaide (Ada) Tonkin1864–1938Individual Tree PersonParents: Philip Tonkin & Mary HarrySpouse: John TrewavasChildren: Elswitha, Charles, Philip, WilfredScore: A
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ATAlice Tonkin1729–1729Individual Tree PersonParents: John III & Jane PENTECOSTScore: BATAlice Tonkin1729–1729Individual Tree PersonParents: John III & Jane PENTECOSTScore: B
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ATAlexander William Tonkin1913–1942Individual Tree PersonParents: William Tonkin & Constance EnglethorpeScore: BATAlexander William Tonkin1913–1942Individual Tree PersonParents: William Tonkin & Constance EnglethorpeScore: B
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ATAlma Phyllis Tonkin1908–1998Individual Tree PersonParents: Herbert Tonkin & (Amy) PiddockScore: BATAlma Phyllis Tonkin1908–1998Individual Tree PersonParents: Herbert Tonkin & (Amy) PiddockScore: B
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ATAlexander Tonkin1570–1604Individual Tree PersonParents: John Tonkin & Mary GlynSpouse: Margerye RobartsChildren: JamesScore: BATAlexander Tonkin1570–1604Individual Tree PersonParents: John Tonkin & Mary GlynSpouse: Margerye RobartsChildren: JamesScore: B
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ATAlexander Tonkin1635–1703Individual Tree PersonParents: John Tonkin & Susanna BurlaceScore: BATAlexander Tonkin1635–1703Individual Tree PersonParents: John Tonkin & Susanna BurlaceScore: B
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ATAlice Tonkin1883–1884Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas Tonkin & Jane RoweScore: BATAlice Tonkin1883–1884Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas Tonkin & Jane RoweScore: B
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ATAdeline Tonkin1866–1867Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas Tonkin & Margeret John(s)Score: BATAdeline Tonkin1866–1867Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas Tonkin & Margeret John(s)Score: B
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ATAda Tonkin1875–1943Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas Tonkin & Esther EddySpouse: William StedwellChildren: William, Ada, Alice, RoyScore: CATAda Tonkin1875–1943Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas Tonkin & Esther EddySpouse: William StedwellChildren: William, Ada, Alice, RoyScore: C
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ATAda Jane TONKIN1881–1953Individual Tree PersonParents: Walter TONKIN & Emily FREEMANSpouse: James QUINNChildren: WilliamScore: CATAda Jane TONKIN1881–1953Individual Tree PersonParents: Walter TONKIN & Emily FREEMANSpouse: James QUINNChildren: WilliamScore: C
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ATAdeline Tonkin1877–1943Individual Tree PersonParents: Esther EddyScore: CATAdeline Tonkin1877–1943Individual Tree PersonParents: Esther EddyScore: C
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ATAlice TONKIN1729–1729Individual Tree PersonParents: John TONKIN & Joane PENTECOSTScore: CATAlice TONKIN1729–1729Individual Tree PersonParents: John TONKIN & Joane PENTECOSTScore: C
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ATAlbert Joseph Tonkin1921–1982Individual Tree PersonParents: Joseph Tonkin & Mary BreretonScore: CATAlbert Joseph Tonkin1921–1982Individual Tree PersonParents: Joseph Tonkin & Mary BreretonScore: C
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ATAdeline Tonkin1877–1943Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas Tonkin & Esther EddySpouse: Charles CochraneChildren: ClarenceScore: CATAdeline Tonkin1877–1943Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas Tonkin & Esther EddySpouse: Charles CochraneChildren: ClarenceScore: C
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ATAlice Tonkin1738–1810Individual Tree PersonParents: Hanibal Harry & Alice TrewhellaSpouse: John HarryChildren: WilliamScore: CATAlice Tonkin1738–1810Individual Tree PersonParents: Hanibal Harry & Alice TrewhellaSpouse: John HarryChildren: WilliamScore: C
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ATAlexander Tonkin1570–1604Individual Tree PersonParents: John Tonkin & Mary GlynSpouse: Lady RobartsChildren: GeorgeScore: CATAlexander Tonkin1570–1604Individual Tree PersonParents: John Tonkin & Mary GlynSpouse: Lady RobartsChildren: GeorgeScore: C
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ATAmelia Tonkin1856–1927Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas Tonkin & Anne PenroseScore: CATAmelia Tonkin1856–1927Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas Tonkin & Anne PenroseScore: C
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ATAbednego Tonkin1860–1906Individual Tree PersonParents: John Tonkin & Elizabeth UrenScore: CATAbednego Tonkin1860–1906Individual Tree PersonParents: John Tonkin & Elizabeth UrenScore: C
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ATAda Tonkin1875–1943Individual Tree PersonParents: Esther EddyScore: CATAda Tonkin1875–1943Individual Tree PersonParents: Esther EddyScore: C
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Tracing Your Tonkin Family Lineage
Origin of the Tonkin Family: Where does the Tonkin surname come from?
The Tonkin surname has its earliest known appearance in England during the early 15th century, marking the beginning of a rich genealogical narrative. This initial record connects the Tonkin family to the early roots of English society, where the surname likely emerged from personal or geographical identifiers. As families began to form and expand, the Tonkin name became a significant marker of lineage in the unfolding tapestry of English history.
Genealogy and Early Family History of Tonkin
Throughout the subsequent centuries, the Tonkin family spread across various regions within England, with significant concentrations of family lines in both rural and urban areas. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the surname gained prominence as families established themselves, often branching out into different trades and occupations that contributed to local communities. These developments facilitated the growth of family trees, as descendants of the original Tonkin families began to cultivate their own branches, leading to a more extensive network of relations.
Tracing the Tonkin Family Tree Through the Centuries
As the Tonkin surname evolved, its presence expanded beyond England in the 19th century, with families migrating to new regions and countries. This migration included movement to places such as the United States, where the Tonkin name found new roots and continued to flourish. The global spread of the surname illustrates the adaptability of Tonkin families, who maintained their lineage while integrating into diverse cultures and communities throughout the centuries.
Where to Find Tonkin Genealogy Records Today
In modern centuries, the Tonkin surname has continued to be documented across various regions, including both the United Kingdom and North America, reflecting the ongoing journey of these families. As descendants search for their own connections, the YourRoots database offers a valuable resource for exploring Tonkin genealogy records and tracing individual family trees. Readers are encouraged to delve into these records to uncover their unique heritage and to connect with the broader narrative of the Tonkin family legacy.
Famous People with Tonkin (and Their Family Tree)
Gulf of Tonkin
The Gulf of Tonkin, located in the northwestern South China Sea, is historically significant due to the Gulf of Tonkin Incident in 1964, which escalated the Vietnam War. This body of water, bordering northern Vietnam and South China, played a crucial role in maritime history and international relations. The incident involved alleged attacks on U.S. destroyers by North Vietnamese forces, leading to the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution and increased U.S. military involvement in Vietnam. The Gulf is also notable for its shallow depth, with most of its ocean floor less than 75 meters deep, and for the 2000 agreement between Vietnam and China delimiting maritime borders, which took effect in 2004.
Mary Tonkin
Mary Tonkin, an acclaimed Australian artist born in Melbourne in 1973, achieved significant recognition in the art world by winning the prestigious Dobell Prize for Drawing in 2002 with her work Rocky Outcrop, Werribee Gorge 2000. An alumnus of Monash University's Faculty of Art and Design, Tonkin earned both a Bachelor and a Masters in Fine Arts. Her career highlights include serving as a lecturer at Monash University from 1996 to 2004 and showcasing major works like Ramble, Kalorama at the Sydney Contemporary in 2022. Her art is featured in esteemed collections such as the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the National Gallery of Victoria.
Tonkin Surname Meaning, Origin, and History
The surname "Tonkin" is derived from a Western rendition of the Vietnamese term "Đông Kinh," meaning 'Eastern Capital,' which referred to the capital of the Lê dynasty, present-day Hanoi. Historically, "Tonkin" was used by Westerners during the 17th and 18th centuries to describe the northern region of Vietnam, and later, from 1884 to 1945, it referred to the French protectorate of Tonkin, a part of French Indochina.
VIEW MOREWhere to Find Genealogy Records for Tonkin
We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Tonkin family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Tonkin surname to learn more.
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