Show ContentsTein History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Tein is a name of ancient Norman origin. It arrived in England with the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Tein family lived in Oxfordshire. The name is an indication that its original bearer once lived near the River Thames.

Early Origins of the Tein family

The surname Tein was first found in Oxfordshire where the name is likely derived from the River Thame. Aluered de Tame was listed in the Domesday Book of 1086. 1 The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 list Claricia de Thame in 1279. 2 Today, Thame is a market town and civil parish. "This town, which is evidently of Roman origin, is mentioned as a place of some importance at the commencement of the 10th century, when Wulfhere, King of Mercia, granted a charter dated 'in the vill called Thames.' In the year 970, Osketyl, Archbishop of York, died at Thame. It suffered much from the Danish invasions, particularly in 1010, and a fortification was erected here. At the Conquest it belonged to the Bishop of Lincoln, and till the reign of Edward VI. formed part of the extensive possessions of succeeding prelates, who conferred many benefits on the town, among which was the diverting through it the road that previously passed on its side. " 3 The family originally held estates in Chinnor, about 4 miles (6.4 km) southeast of Thame.

Early History of the Tein family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Tein research. Another 249 words (18 lines of text) covering the years 1492, 1493 and 1500 are included under the topic Early Tein History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Tein Spelling Variations

Endless spelling variations are a prevailing characteristic of Norman surnames. Old and Middle English lacked any definite spelling rules, and the introduction of Norman French added an unfamiliar ingredient to the English linguistic stew. French and Latin, the languages of the court, also influenced spellings. Finally, Medieval scribes generally spelled words according to how they sounded, so one person was often referred to by different spellings in different documents. The name has been spelled Thame, Tharm, Tharme, Temes and others.

Early Notables of the Tein family

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

Migration of the Tein family

To escape the political and religious persecution within England at the time, many English families left for the various British colonies abroad. The voyage was extremely difficult, though, and the cramped, dank ships caused many to arrive in the New World diseased and starving. But for those who made it, the trip was most often worth it. Many of the families who arrived went on to make valuable contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families reveals a number of immigrants bearing the name Tein or a variant listed above: Michael Tharm who landed in America in 1710.



  1. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  2. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  3. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.


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