Show ContentsThigpen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Thigpen family

The surname Thigpen was first found in Holland, where the name became noted for its many branches in the region, each house acquiring a status and influence which was envied by the princes of the region. The name was first recorded in Gelderland, (Guelders) an ancient province surrounding the town of Gelder. To the south of Friesland this province was originally in two parts north and south of the Rhine. In addition, the province is sub-divided into four towns, or quarters, Nijmegan, Arnhem, Zutphen and Roermond, each having unique rights and customs. Apeldoorn is a city of note. In their later history the surname became a power unto themselves and were elevated to the ranks of nobility as they grew into this most influential family.

Early History of the Thigpen family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Thigpen research. Another 80 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1617, 1684 and 1830 are included under the topic Early Thigpen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Thigpen Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Thye, Thy, Thyes, Thys, Thyese, Thyses, Thyi, Thyis, Thyy, Tye, Tie, van Tye, van Thye, Thyee and many more.

Early Notables of the Thigpen family

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

Thigpen Ranking

In the United States, the name Thigpen is the 2,980th most popular surname with an estimated 9,948 people with that name. 1


United States Thigpen migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Thigpen Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • James Thigpen, who settled in North Carolina in 1653
Thigpen Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Chas. A. Thigpen, aged 26, who immigrated to the United States, in 1892
  • Frank Thigpen, aged 28, who landed in America, in 1896
Thigpen Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Calvin Thigpen, aged 51, who immigrated to the United States, in 1909
  • Charles Thigpen, aged 45, who settled in America, in 1911
  • Mrs. Charles Thigpen, aged 38, who immigrated to America, in 1911
  • William Thigpen, aged 24, who immigrated to the United States, in 1920
  • W.D. Thigpen, aged 24, who landed in America, in 1922
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Thigpen (post 1700) +

  • Justus Thigpen (b. 1947), American former professional basketball player
  • Anita Thigpen (b. 1952), the American current and longest-serving First Lady of Texas, and the wife of Governor Rick Perry
  • Corbett H. Thigpen (1919-1999), American psychiatrist and co-author of The Three Faces of Eve (1957)
  • Ben Thigpen (1908-1971), American jazz drummer, father of the drummer Ed Thigpen
  • Marcus Arnette Thigpen (b. 1986), American NFL football running back
  • Tommy Thigpen (b. 1971), American college football assistant coach
  • Curtis Barnard Thigpen (b. 1983), American Major League Baseball catcher who played from 2007 to 2008 for the Toronto Blue Jays
  • Cherlynne Theresa "Lynne" Thigpen (1948-2003), American stage and television actress, best known for her role as "The Chief" in the Carmen Sandiego television series
  • Edmund Leonard "Ed" Thigpen (1930-2010), American jazz drummer, best known for his work with the Oscar Peterson trio (1959-1965)
  • Yancey Dirk Thigpen (b. 1969), American NFL football wide receiver who played from 1991 to 2000
  • ... (Another 7 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)


  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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