Tensh History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• England
• Ireland

Etymology of Tensh

The Tensh surname comes form the Old French word "tenche," which was a type of freshwater fish; as such it is thought to have evolved from a nickname. 1

Early Origins of the Tensh family

Early History of the Tensh family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Tensh research. Another 142 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1550, 1599, 1600, 1618, 1621, 1628, 1640, 1670, 1675, 1690, 1712 and 1715 are included under the topic Early Tensh History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Tensh Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Tensh are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Tensh include: Tench, Tenche, Tenches, Tenge, Tange, Tanch and others.

Early Notables of the Tensh family

Henry Teonge (1621-1690), English chaplain in the Navy and diarist, a native of Wolverton, Warwickshire, son of George Teonge. "Previous to 1670 he was rector of Alcester. On 7 June 1670 he was presented to the living of Spernall...
Another 38 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Tensh Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Tensh family to Ireland

Some of the Tensh family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Tensh family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Tensh or a variant listed above: William Tench who settled in Plymouth Massachusetts in 1621; one year after the "Mayflower"; Edward Tenches settled in Virginia in 1637; Francis Tange settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1810.