Thorpe Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Thorpe come from? What does the surname Thorpe mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Thorpe and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Thorpe Origin: What does the last name Thorpe mean?
The surname Thorpe originates from the Middle English word "thorp," meaning hamlet or small village. It is associated with many places in England, with records dating back to the early 12th century. The name Thorpe remained closely tied to England from the 12th to the 16th centuries, with a notable increase in records during the 16th century, indicating its global spread over time.
According to YourRoots data, the Thorpe surname has been present in the United Kingdom since the early 12th century. By the 19th century, the surname saw significant growth in the United States, suggesting a shift in distribution. Today, the Thorpe surname can be found in numerous countries worldwide, highlighting its enduring presence and global reach across different regions and cultures.
Thorpe Last Name History: Where did the last name Thorpe come from?
Origin of Thorpe Surname: Where does the last name Thorpe originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Thorpe first appeared in records from England in the United Kingdom around the early 12th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact "Thorpe" spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Thorpe: What does the Thorpe surname history look like in the early days?
The "Thorpe" surname remained closely associated with England from the 12th through the 16th century with a significant increase in the volume of records during the 16th century. Although the comprehensive data for other countries during this period is not provided, based on the available information, it can be inferred that the Thorpe surname had begun its global spread.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Thorpe surname today?
By the 19th century, the volume of records with the Thorpe surname grew significantly in the United States, suggesting a shift in the distribution of the surname from the United Kingdom to the United States. Despite this shift, the Thorpe surname remains prominent in the United Kingdom and other regions worldwide. Today, the Thorpe surname can be found in many countries, although the exact list of countries is not provided in the data. The "Thorpe" surname remains a common feature in both the United Kingdom and the United States, and its global spread indicates its presence in numerous countries across the globe.
Explore Thorpe last name heritage and Thorpe surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Thorpe Surame?
Jim Thorpe
James Francis Thorpe (May 22, 1887 – March 28, 1953) was an American athlete and Olympic gold medalist, known for being the first Native American to win a gold medal for the United States in the Olympics. Thorpe excelled in multiple sports, winning two Olympic gold medals in the 1912 Summer Olympics and playing professional football, baseball, and basketball. Despite controversy over his amateur status, Thorpe's versatile athleticism and achievements have solidified his legacy as one of the greatest athletes of the 20th century.
Jeremy Thorpe
John Jeremy Thorpe (April 29, 1929 – December 4, 2014) was a British politician and leader of the Liberal Party. Serving as a Member of Parliament for North Devon, Thorpe rose to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s. Known for his charismatic leadership, he led the Liberals to electoral success in the 1974 general election. However, his career took a dramatic turn when he faced trial on charges related to a conspiracy to murder his ex-boyfriend. Despite being acquitted, the scandal ended his political aspirations. Thorpe's legacy is a mix of political achievements and personal controversies that continue to intrigue historians and political enthusiasts.
Lidia Thorpe
Lidia Alma Thorpe (born Aug 18, 1973) is an Aboriginal Australian independent politician. She made history as the first Aboriginal senator from Victoria in 2020. Thorpe has been a vocal advocate for Indigenous rights and sovereignty, gaining attention for her support of the Blak Sovereign Movement. Despite facing personal challenges like bankruptcy, she has continued to fight for her community, serving in both the Victorian Parliament and the Senate. Thorpe's dedication to social impact earned her recognition, showcasing her resilience and commitment to creating positive change.
Ian Thorpe
Ian James Thorpe (October 13, 1982) is an Australian retired swimmer known for his dominance in freestyle swimming. Thorpe won five Olympic gold medals and set numerous world records, earning him the nickname "Thorpedo." He was the most successful athlete at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney and the first person to win six gold medals in one World Championship. Thorpe's athletic achievements and popularity made him a key figure in Australian sports history.
Graham Thorpe
Graham Paul Thorpe (1 Aug 1969 – 4 Aug 2024) was an English cricketer known for representing England in 100 Test matches and playing for Surrey. He excelled as a left-handed middle-order batsman, scoring a century on his Test debut against Australia in 1993. Thorpe's career highlights include being a Wisden Cricketer of the Year, scoring the then third fastest double century in Test history, and being part of the England team that won eight successive Tests. After retiring from playing, he took up coaching positions with New South Wales, Surrey, and England. Thorpe passed away at the age of 55.
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