Tufts Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Tufts come from? What does the surname Tufts mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Tufts and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Tufts Origin: What does the last name Tufts mean?
The surname Tufts originated in England around the early 16th century. It is believed to have derived from a place name, possibly referring to a location with tufts of grass or vegetation. The Tufts surname has historical ties to England from the 16th to 18th centuries, with records also showing its presence in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. By the 20th century, the Tufts surname had spread significantly to regions such as the United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, New Zealand, South Africa, and Ireland, remaining prominent in these areas. It has also been found in countries like France, Germany, and Sweden, showcasing its global reach over the centuries.
YourRoots data confirms the early roots of the Tufts surname in England and its subsequent expansion to various countries worldwide. The surname Tufts carries a rich history and has stood the test of time, representing a diverse heritage that has transcended borders and cultures. Today, individuals with the Tufts surname can be found in numerous countries, reflecting the enduring legacy of this familial identifier.
Tufts Last Name History: Where did the last name Tufts come from?
Origin of Tufts Surname: Where does the last name Tufts originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Tufts first appeared in records from England around the early 16th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Tufts spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Tufts: What does the Tufts surname history look like in the early days?
The Tufts surname remained closely associated with England from the 16th to 18th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Tufts family records in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Tufts surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Tufts surname grew significantly in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, New Zealand, South Africa, and Ireland. The Tufts surname remains prominent in these regions. It appears in many countries, including France, Germany, and Sweden.
Explore Tufts last name heritage and Tufts surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Tufts Surame?
Sonny Tufts
Bowen Charlton "Sonny" Tufts III (July 16, 1911 – June 4, 1970) was an American actor known for his roles in Paramount films like So Proudly We Hail! and the cult classic Cat-Women of the Moon. Born into a prominent banking family in Boston, Tufts broke tradition by pursuing a career in entertainment. After studying opera in Europe, he transitioned to Broadway and eventually to Hollywood, where he became a contract star at Paramount. Despite early success, his popularity waned in the 1950s. Tufts' career spanned stage, film, and television, leaving a mark on the entertainment industry during the mid-20th century.
Charles Tufts
Charles Tufts (July 16, 1781 – December 24, 1876) was an American businessman and philanthropist known for donating the land that would become Tufts University. Descended from early colonist Peter Tufts, he made his fortune through brickmaking and later gifted 100 acres for the university campus. Despite not having children, his legacy lives on through the institution and the World War II Liberty Ship SS Charles Tufts.
James Walker Tufts
James Walker Tufts (February 11, 1835 – February 3, 1902) was an entrepreneur, inventor, and philanthropist known for founding Pinehurst, North Carolina, and his successful business ventures in silver plate tableware and soda fountains. He transformed Pinehurst into a health resort for people of modest means, purchasing acres of land to build the village and Pinehurst Resort. With a vision for affordable luxury, Tufts hired Frederick Law Olmsted's firm for city planning. His legacy continued with his family's control of Pinehurst until 1970. Tufts's impact on the development of Pinehurst and the growth of golf in the area remains significant in history.
Peter Tufts
Peter Tufts, Sr. (1617 – May 13, 1700) was an early citizen of Malden and Medford, Massachusetts. Ancestor of Charles Tufts who donated land for Tufts University, he was known for owning the oldest all-brick house in the U.S. Peter Tufts immigrated from England to Charlestown and later became a ferryman on the Mystic River. Despite some legal conflicts, he was a Freeman of Malden and the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Tufts served as the first representative from Medford to the Massachusetts General Court. His legacy lives on through his historic house and contributions to the early development of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
Bob Tufts
Robert Malcolm Tufts (Nov 2, 1955 – Oct 4, 2019) was a former American Major League Baseball pitcher for the San Francisco Giants and Kansas City Royals. He played from 1981 to 1983, making his mark in the Texas League and American Association. Tufts was not only a talented athlete but also a dedicated advocate for healthcare involvement, creating awareness about patient rights. His legacy extends beyond the baseball field, leaving a lasting impact on sports and healthcare communities.
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