Show ContentsTees History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Tees family

The surname Tees was first found in Switzerland, where the name came from humble beginnings but gained a significant reputation for its contribution to the emerging mediaeval society.

The name is thought to have been derived from the Old High German "teuzo", itself from the Gothic word "thiuda" meaning "people." The surname is first documented in its Latinized from in the twelfth century where Tecelinus, was a Burgher of Goslar in the year 1120. In 1444, Stephan Teczel of Waischenfeld appears in the "Matrikel der Universitat Leipzig" while in 1477, Thomas Tetcschel of Merseburg is noted in the "Matrikel des Hochstifts Merseburg".

Early History of the Tees family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Tees research. Another 79 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Tees History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Tees Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Tess, Tes, Tesse, Tese, Tesses, Tessee, Teses, Tease, Teese, Teess and many more.

Early Notables of the Tees family

More information is included under the topic Early Tees Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Tees migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Tees Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Richard Tees, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1871
  • James Tees, aged 41, who immigrated to the United States, in 1895
  • Stafford Tees, aged 11, who immigrated to the United States, in 1895
Tees Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Mary Tees, aged 31, who settled in America from Cork, in 1905
  • Lizzie Tees, aged 21, who landed in America from Letterkenny, Ireland, in 1913
  • Annie Aird Tees, aged 39, who immigrated to America from Kilmarnock, Scotland, in 1919
  • David Tees, aged 27, who landed in America from Glasgow, Scotland, in 1920
  • Samuel Tees, aged 26, who landed in America from Glasgow, Scotland, in 1923

Contemporary Notables of the name Tees (post 1700) +

  • Matthew Tees (1939-2020), Scottish footballer from Johnstone, Scotland who played 364 matches from 1960 to 1975
  • Brigadier Percy Curran Tees (b. 1894), Canadian Commander Royal Artillery 2nd Canadian Division, Mediterranean 1


  1. Generals of World War II. (Retrieved 2011, October 3) Percy Tees. Retrieved from http://generals.dk/general/Tees/Percy_Curran/Canada.html


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