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Surname Tarry - Meaning and Origin

all surnames with 'T'

Tarry: What does the surname Tarry mean?

The surname Tarry is of English origin and is believed to come from the Old English term "teri," which means "to provoke or draw out." This implies that the original bearers of the surname Tarry were likely instigators or provocateurs, individuals who stirred controversy or sparked debates. This surname might also be occupational, connected with the operation of a tannery. There is another interpretation suggesting that the name was derived from the geographical term "tarn", referring to a small mountain lake, specifically in Northern England. Thus, Tarry could also indicate a person living near such a body of water. Like many surnames, Tarry may have different origins and meanings across diverse cultures and societies.

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Tarry: Where does the name Tarry come from?

The last name Tarry is most commonly found in England today. Historically, the name is believed to originate from the Anglo-Saxon language, as well as other parts of Northern Europe. This suggests that the Tarry surname has roots that reach back many generations, originating from an area where the name still remains prominent.

The name is heavily concentrated in southern England, especially in the counties of Sussex, Kent, Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire and Wiltshire. The highest concentrations are generally in rural towns and cities, where traditional naming practices are more common, as is the case for most surnames.

Outside of this region, the last name Tarry is still quite common in other parts of the United Kingdom as well as parts of Scotland, Ireland, Wales, the United States and much of the Commonwealth.

Tarry is not a particularly popular surname in mainland Europe or other parts of the world, though in certain places where many English immigrated during the 19th century, such as Canada and several countries in South America, it still appears relatively frequently.

Variations of the surname Tarry

The surname Tarry has many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. Some of the more common variants are Tarrey, Terrey, Tarrye, Terray, Terrie, Tarrie, Tairry, Tarree, Tirray, Tirrie, and Tirry. Each of these variants has the same origin, which is believed to be derived from the Old English word tarr. This word is thought to have originally signified prickliness, but eventually came to be used as a personal name, usually used to refer to a person with prickly hair.

The surname Tarry can also have alternate spellings, such as Tary,Terry, Tory, Torry, and many others. Some of these alternate spellings are used in different countries of origin, such as the Scottish spelling of Tory, or the Irish spelling of Torry. It is also possible for the surname to be changed slightly, such as to Tarrey, Terrey, or even Terray.

In addition, there are different surnames that can have the same origin as Tarry. These surnames include the Scottish surnames Tarrell, Tirrell, and Terrill. The Irish surname Torry can also have the same origin. Finally, some English surnames that have the same origin are Terry, Terrye, and Carry.

In conclusion, the surname Tarry can have many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The variations range from the commonly used Tarrey, or Terrey, to the less commonly used Tirrie or Tirray. Additionally, the surname has alternate spellings, such as Tary, Terry, Tory, and Torry, and can also have the same origin as other surnames, such as Terry, Terrye, Tarrell, Tirrell, and Terrill.

Famous people with the name Tarry

  • Tom Tarry: British actor, best known for appearances in Tipping the Velvet, W1A, Toast of London, and Rev.
  • Paddy Tarry: English comedian, writer, and presenter, best known for his work on the BBC Three show Inside No. 9.
  • Les Tarry: British actor, best known for his roles in the films Young and Foolish, Tunnel, Muppet Treasure Island, and Mrs. Brown's Boys D'Movie.
  • Allan Tarry: Canadian photographer, whose work has been featured in magazines such as Harper's Bazaar and Vogue.
  • Stephanie Tarry: American actress, best known for her role in the ABC drama series American Crime.
  • Cedric Tarry: English footballer at the turn of the twentieth century, who played for Derby County and Stoke City.
  • Christine Tarry: British-born director, who is best known for directing the 1993 film Swing Kids.
  • Toby Tarry: English journalist, who has written for publications such as The Guardian, The Telegraph, and The Independent.
  • William Tarry: British businessman, who is the founder and CEO of the waste management company, TMC Environmental.
  • Ryan Tarry: British songwriter and record producer, who is known for his work with prominent pop artists such as Kylie Minogue and Jessie Ware.

Other surnames

Tarra­nTarrantTarriffTarrin

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