Terjesen Surname

The Origin and Distribution of the Surname Terjesen

The surname Terjesen is a patronymic surname of Norwegian origin. It is derived from the given name Terje, which in turn is a variant of the Old Norse name Þorsteinn. The name Þorsteinn is composed of the elements Þórr, the name of the Norse god of thunder, and steinn, meaning "stone." Therefore, the surname Terjesen can be loosely translated to mean "son of Thor's stone."

Early Origins of the Surname Terjesen

The earliest recorded instance of the surname Terjesen dates back to medieval Norway. During this period, patronymic surnames were commonly used, with the father's given name being used as a prefix to the suffix -sen or -son. Terjesen would have been used to identify someone as the son of a man named Terje. Over time, this surname became hereditary and passed down from generation to generation.

Migration and Spread of the Surname Terjesen

As with many surnames of Norse origin, the surname Terjesen spread beyond the borders of Norway due to migration and emigration. In the 19th and 20th centuries, many Norwegians emigrated to countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Denmark, taking their surnames with them. This led to the establishment of Terjesen families in these new lands.

The surname Terjesen is most commonly found in Norway, where it has an incidence rate of 620. The United States has the second-highest incidence of the surname, with 190 individuals bearing the name. Australia, Denmark, and Canada also have significant populations of individuals with the surname Terjesen, with incidence rates of 18, 16, and 14, respectively.

Variations of the Surname Terjesen

As with many surnames, variations of the surname Terjesen exist. Some common variations include Terjeson, Terjessen, and Terjesend. These variations may have arisen due to phonetic changes or regional dialects. Regardless of the variation, individuals with these surnames are likely to share a common ancestry and heritage.

Notable Individuals with the Surname Terjesen

While the surname Terjesen may not be as prominent as some other surnames, there are still notable individuals who bear this name. These individuals may have made significant contributions to their fields or achieved fame in their own right.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the surname Terjesen is a patronymic surname of Norse origin that can be traced back to medieval Norway. It is derived from the given name Terje, which in turn is derived from the Old Norse name Þorsteinn. The surname has spread beyond Norway due to migration and emigration, with notable populations in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Denmark. Variations of the surname exist, and there are notable individuals with the surname Terjesen who have made their mark in various fields.

The surname Terjesen into the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is achievable to locate African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Exactly the same takes place in the case of Terjesen, which as you are able to corroborate, it can be said that it is a surname which can be found in most of the countries of this globe. In the same way you will find nations in which undoubtedly the thickness of individuals using the surname Terjesen is more than in other countries.

The map of this Terjesen surname

1. Norway (620)
2. United States (190)
3. Australia (18)
4. Denmark (16)
5. Canada (14)
6. Estonia (12)
7. Sweden (4)
8. Switzerland (1)
9. England (1)
10. South Korea (1)
11. Mexico (1)
12. Saudi Arabia (1)