Tinker Family History

Tinker Surname Origin

The Tinker genealogy boasts a primarily English origin that was first on record in London and is found throughout England since very early times.


Tinker Genealogy, Meaning & History

The Tinker family history begins centuries ago, although the origin of the ancient name is somewhat vague. The common consensus among historians is that the name is derived from the Old English word Tinklere and was commonly used as an occupational name to describe an individual who mended pots and pans for a living. The word was also used to describe peddlers who traveled from region to region, due to the sound their wares made as they traveled. However, this association does not appear to have been used to refer to anyone with this particular surname. The name first appeared on record in London, when a listing for a Laurence Tinekere appeared in "The History of St. Bartholomew's Hospital" between 1244 and 1246. In other parts of England, some of the earliest rolls for Tinker genealogy date back to the early part of the 17th century.


Tinker Immigration History

Tinker family history eventually spread throughout England and into other parts of Europe. By the time early settlers began landing in America, the first records of a Tinker family appear as well. Some of the earliest records of a Tinker coming to the New World were those of Thomas Tinker and his family, who landed at Plymouth in 1620. This clan was followed by John Tinker, who came to Boston, Massachusetts in 1635 and Ann Tinker, who arrived in Virginia less than two decades later. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, more Tinker families sailed across the ocean to America, where many made significant contributions to the development of the United States. By the beginning of the 20th century, the bulk of Tinker families had settled into the northeastern region of the country, but many others also made their homes in the Midwest and southwestern areas of the nation as well.


Famous People Named Tinker

Clarence L. Tinker - Clarence L. Tinker (1887 - 1942) was an American airman who served his country during World War II, until he died in a combat mission. Today, the Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City is named in his honor.

Joseph Bert Tinker - Joseph Bert Tinker (July 27, 1880 - July 27, 1948) was a Major League Baseball player who played for the Chicago Cubs before getting elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1946.)

Gerald Tinker - Gerald Tinker (January 19, 1951 - ) was a gold medalist in the 1972 Summer Olympics and a professional football player who played wide receiver for both the Atlanta Falcons and the Green Bay Packers.

Joslyn Jamie Tinker - Joslyn Jamie Tinker won the Miss Alaska title in 1998 and was one of the Top Ten finalists in the Miss America pageant.

Grant Tinker

Grant Tinker ((January 11, 1925 - ) is an American businessman who served as CEO for NBC between 1981 and 1986. Tinker is also the former husband of television actress Mary Tyler Moore.


Tinker Fun Facts

  • Number of Tinker's in the US: 758168
  • Average Lifespan of Tinker's: 90
  • Tinker is the 5009th most common name in the US

Surnames Related To Tinker


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