Surname Tillman - Meaning and Origin

Decoding Identity and Heritage: The Influence of iGENEA DNA Test and The Meaning of The Surname Tillman

Unveiling my DNA test results was like peeping into an intriguing historical novel, featuring none other than my ancestors. In particular, the surname Tillman took on a new emotional significance, acting as a link to my past, and shedding light on the fabric of my being.

P. Tillman

Tillman: What does the surname Tillman mean?

The last name Tillman has English, German, and Dutch origins, and it is thought to be derived from the name Tilmann which means "fighting warrior." The meaning of the name suggests that it was likely given to an ancestor who may have been known for his strength or courage in battle.

The English and German versions of the name Tillman are generally derived from a shortform of the name Matilda, which means "strength in battle." In addition, the Dutch version of the name Tillman is derived from the personal name Dietlef, which is composed of two elements, “thank” and “wolf” and dates back as far as the 10th century.

The name Tillman is a popular choice among families of both English and German descent. Typically, those with the last name Tillman are highly considered to be brave and strong-willed individuals. Additionally, because it has a long and storied history, those with the name likely have a strong sense of pride in their family name and in themselves.

Regardless of origin, the last name Tillman tends to imply that the holder is capable and courageous.

Tillman: Where does the name Tillman come from?

The last name Tillman is most common in the United States, where it is the 709th most common last name according to the 2020 US census. It is particularly popular in the southern states of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and North Carolina, where it is the 47th, 68th, 54th, and 100th most common last name, respectively. It is also common in the Midwestern states of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan, where its rank is in the 400s. Outside of the United States, Tillman is most prevalent in the United Kingdom, where it is the 15,911th most popular last name. It is also present in Canada, Australia, and other English-speaking countries, though in lower percentages when compared to the US.

The origins of Tillman are typically European and most commonly trace back to German and Anglo-Saxon roots. It is a patronymic name derived from the personal name Tillman, which is a German diminutive of the name Diethelm. The root of the name Diethelm is the Old German verb “thethal” meaning “people” or “nation” combined with “helm” meaning “helmet” or “protection”; historically, it was understood as “the nation’s defender”. The name "Tillman" has seen increasing popularity and use in recent decades, thanks in part to rising immigration into the United States.

Variations of the surname Tillman

The surname Tillman is most likely derived from the personal name "Tillmann” which evolved from the Germanic name “Dillmann". This name is composed of two elements: "dil" meaning “people" and “mann” meaning "man". Variants of the surname Tillman include Dilman, Dillman, Dilmen, Dillmen, Tillman, Tilman, Tilmon, Tillmon, Tillmen, Tilmen, and Tylman. Historically, many of these variants and spellings were used interchangeably and in combination with other surnames.

In the United States, Tillman is notably the surname of several prominent individuals, including Pauline Elizabeth Tillman, the first African American woman to serve as a U.S. Air Force officer, as well as Charles Tillman, a former NFL player. It is also the name of Fort Tillman in Alabama, a notable Civil War battleground.

In combination with other surnames, Tillman has been combined with other pronunciations including "Tylman" which is a combination of "Tillman" and the Polish surname "Jablonski", itself derived from the Polish word for "apple tree". Similarly, the “Tilmen” variant may be a combination of both the “Tillman” and the German surname “Rudman”, with the “Rud” element derived from the German words for "counsel" and "fame".

In the United Kingdom, the spelling of the surname Tillman has also evolved over time, with some individuals being recorded in medieval charters using the spelling “Tylleman”, “Tilleman” or “Tilman”. While the surname Tillman remains prevalent in England and America, it has spread across the globe and can be found throughout Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Famous people with the name Tillman

• Pat Tillman: pro-football player turned US Soldier who was killed by friendly fire in the Afghanistan War.
• Johnnie Tillman: R&B singer, songwriter and record producer
• Paul Tillman: professional basketball player
• Frank Tillman: Major League Baseball batboy
• Rodney Tillman: NBA/NCAA basketball player
• Thomas Tillman: professional boxer
• Howard Tillman: retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant general
• Georgia Tillman: former professional basketball player
• James Tillman: American politician
• T'Aja Tillman: professional American basketball player
• Angela Tillman Thompson: American author and motivational speaker
• Elaine Tillman: former professional basketball player
• Joe Tillman: NFL referee
• Randy Tillman: professional baseball player
• Gloria Tillman: jazz singer and music educator
• Yulee Tillman: American journalist, apparel model, and activist

Other surnames

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