| ![Show Contents]() Thorns History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Etymology of ThornsWhat does the name Thorns mean? Similar to many Austrian family names, the distinguished surname Thorns is a proud sign of a rich and ancient ancestry. The earliest forms of hereditary surnames in Austria were the patronymic surnames, which are derived from the father's given name, and metronymic surnames, which are derived from the mother's given name. Austrian and German patronymic names emerged as early as the mid-9th century and the most common patronymic suffix is ez. The patronyms were derived from a variety of given names that were of many different origins. The name Thorns is derived from the ancient Germanic personal name Thor, meaning thunder. Early Origins of the Thorns familyThe surname Thorns was first found in the province of Tyrol in Austria, where the name became identified in early mediaeval times with the feudal society which would play a prominent role throughout European history. The name would later emerge as a noble family with great influence, having many distinguished branches, and become noted for its participation in social, economic and political affairs. Early History of the Thorns familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Thorns research. Another 160 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1165 and 1755 are included under the topic Early Thorns History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Thorns Spelling VariationsIn the medieval era, many different cultural groups lived in the German states. There are thus many regional variations of German surnames from that era. Westphalians spoke Low German, which is similar to modern Dutch. Many German names carry suffixes that identify where they came from. Others have phrases attached that identify something about the original bearer. Other variations in German names resulted from the fact that medieval scribes worked without the aid of any spelling rules. The spelling variations of the name Thorns include Thor, Thorer, Thoren, Thorn, Torr, Thorr, Thorre and many more. Early Notables of the Thorns familyAnother 35 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Thorns Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
| Thorns migration to the United States | + |
After the First World War, Austria became a republic. The Treaty of Versailles broke up the empire in 1919 and many of the Sudeten Germans were incorporated into the new nation of Czechoslovakia. In the 20th century, many Austrians migrated to other parts of Germany or Europe, as well as to North America. In the United States, the majority of settlers landed in Philadelphia, and moved on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Many German settlers also migrated to Canada, particularly Ontario and the Prairies. Amongst the settlers in North America with this distinguished name Thorns were
Thorns Settlers in United States in the 19th Century- Mr. CH. Hch. Thorns, aged 32, who arrived in New Orleans in 1845 aboard the ship "Agnes"
| Thorns migration to Australia | + |
Thorns Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century- Mr. John Thorns, (b. 1811), aged 20, English gardener who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 14 years for pick pocketing, transported aboard the "Camden" on 21st March 1831, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 1
| Contemporary Notables of the name Thorns (post 1700) | + |
- David Christopher Thorns ONZM (1943-2020), New Zealand sociologist, known for his work on urban and suburban sociology
- Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 2nd December 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/camden
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