Surname Tall - Meaning and Origin
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Tall: What does the surname Tall mean?
The last name Tall is of multiple origins, and its meaning can vary based on those. In English, it could derive from the Old English word "tall" referring to someone who is "quick or ready at the uptake," implying someone who is clever or astute. It may also be connected to the Middle English term "tall" denoting a person of good, fine, or stout substance and figures, eventually extending to the modern meaning of someone who's high in stature. It's important to note that last names were often descriptive of the attributes or profession of an individual in olden times.
However, Tall is also a name originating in West Africa. Among the Wolof and Fulani people, 'Tall' is a popular surname traditionally given to Islamic scholars and leaders. Despite these different origins and regions, understanding the exact meaning would require specific knowledge about the ancestry and cultural context of the person holding this last name.
Order DNA origin analysisTall: Where does the name Tall come from?
The last name Tall is generally found in the United States, although it is sometimes found in other countries. It can be most common in certain areas of the United States, such as the Midwest region, where many individuals of German or Dutch descent have historically settled. There is also a large concentration of the Tall surname in the northeastern states and the southern states along the Gulf Coast.
In some countries in Europe, the name Tall may also be common. For example, in Denmark it is a widespread name, primarily associated with the country’s largest city, Copenhagen. In Norway, it is also seen as a common surname, although mostly among individuals with Norwegian and Swedish descent.
In addition, the Tall last name can be found in Australia, New Zealand and Canada, primarily among those of European descent. The name is also found in countries in Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where African Americans are more likely to use it.
It is possible that the Tall surname originated from a single ancestor. However, due to its geographical distribution, it is likely that it has multiple origins. Regardless of the origin, individuals with the last name Tall have great pride in their ancestry.
Variations of the surname Tall
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Tall are Talle, Taal, Tail, Tal, Tale, Taille, Tael, Tales, Taall, Taalll, Talle, Teal, Teel, Teill, Teille, Tel, Till, Tilley, Tilly, Tol, Tolle, Tolley, Tull, Tulles, Tullis, and Tully.
Tall is an Old French surname derived from the Middle English word ‘tal’ meaning “high, superior”. It originated in France as a naming convention describing a person’s physical stature or character traits.
Variants like Talle and Tale are derived from Gaelic, although originating in France, in which 'tall' would be spelled and pronounced ‘tal’. Taille is an alternate spelling of Tall in Old French.
Tael, Tales and Taal are Dutch variants of the surname, which is common among families of Dutch descent. Taall and Taalll are double-letter spellings of Taal. Tel is a shortened version of Taille.
Tol, Tolle and Tolley are derived from the Middle English ‘tol’ meaning ‘round hill’, as well as from the Old English pre 7th century word ‘toll’ meaning ‘hillock’.
Till, Tilley, and Tilly are derived from the Old Germanic personal name ‘Tilla’ and would be a nickname used between relatives.
Tull, Tulles, and Tully are Anglicized versions of the Gaelic surname O' Tuilleadh, meaning “descendant of Tuilleadh”.
The surname Tall is generally considered to be of French origin, although it also has several variants from Germanic, Dutch, and Gaelic languages.
Famous people with the name Tall
- Tyler Tall, American writer
- Terence Tall, former American professional basketball player
- Cameron Tall, Australian rules footballer
- Terry Tall, New Zealand former politician
- Edward Tall, British Anglican clergyman
- Fabrice Tall, Cameroonian former professional soccer player
- Haile Teliba Tall, Ethiopian former professional soccer player
- Stacie Marie Tall, Canadian singer
- Mary Moore Tall, American former basketball player
- Kofi Aboagye Tall, Ghanaian football coach and former midfielder