Show ContentsTinkle History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The ancestral home of the Tinkle family is in the German state of Bavaria. The name Tinkle is an occupational hereditary surname, a type of surname that was taken from a word describing or common to the profession of the original bearer. It is a name for a farmer or a dealer in spelt, which is a kind of wheat. Spelt, which is a derivative of the Old Germanic word Dinkel, was a grain like barley and wheat that was grown extensively in the German speaking states during the Middle Ages. Spelt was sold as a cereal and formed a large part of the diet at this time. Nonetheless, Tinkle is also a local name for a person that came from Dinkelsbuhl, a town in Bavaria in the south of Germany. Dinkelsbuhl, which is one of the best preserved medieval towns, dates back to the 14th century. The Tinkle family possessed vast estates and resided in an elegant feudal manor. During the Middle Ages, they became a part of the landed aristocracy and they wielded considerable prestige and influence in the region of Bavaria. Nonetheless, the family expanded into other parts of the German territories after the 16th century.

Early Origins of the Tinkle family

The surname Tinkle was first found in Bavaria, where this family became a prominent contributor to the development of the district from ancient times. Always prominent in social affairs, the name Dinkle became an integral part of that turbulent region as it emerged to form alliances with other families within the Feudal System. Ancient chronicles first mention one Burkart der Dinkel of the town Villgenau in the year 1370.

Early History of the Tinkle family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Tinkle research. Another 108 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1802, 1827, 1843, 1846, 1858, 1889, 1892, 1909, 1910, 1912, 1914 and 1935 are included under the topic Early Tinkle History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Tinkle Spelling Variations

Many cultural groups lived in the German states in medieval times. Each had its own dialect and traditions, and unique variations of popular names. Low German, which is similar to contemporary Dutch, was spoken in Westphalia. German names are characterized by additions such as regional suffixes and phrases that tell something about the origin or background of its original bearer. Further contributing to the variation in German names was the fact that there were no spelling rules in medieval times: scribes recorded names according to their sound. The recorded spelling variations of Tinkle include Dinkel, Dinckels, Dinckel, Dinckle, Dinkler, Dinckelmann, Dinkelman, Tinkel, Tinckel and many more.

Early Notables of the Tinkle family

Prominent among members of the name Tinkle in this period include Christian Dingler (1802-1858) German founder of the "Dinglerwerk" manufacturing business at Zweibrücken in 1827. He invented a version of a Toggle press which he called the "Zweibrücker-press," but more popularly was known as the "Dingler Press." The printing press was immensely popular throughout Europe...
Another 55 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Tinkle Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Tinkle Ranking

In the United States, the name Tinkle is the 15,321st most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 1

Migration of the Tinkle family

European migration to North America began in the mid-17th century and continued unabated until the mid-20th. Many Bavarians made the long trip to escape poverty or persecution based on their religious beliefs. The chance for tenant farmers to own their own land was also a major drawing card. They settled all across the United States in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Many came to Canada also, settling in Ontario and the prairie provinces. Analysis of immigration records has shown some of the first Tinkles to arrive in North America, and among them were: Michael Dinckel, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1752. Jacob Dinkel arrived in Philadelphia in 1836; while John Dinkel landed in Philadelphia in 1860.



  1. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/


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