Recorded in a number of spellings which include Thon, Theng, Theun, Thones, Thonges, Tonsen, Tonnesen, Tonsing (German, Swiss, and Austrian), Thonsen, Thonason (Scandanavian), Theunissen, Teunissen (Dutch), and many others this is a surname of Roman (Latin) origins. It is described in various directories as being an aphetic form of the famous Roman clan name Antonius, of which Marcus Anthonius (83 - 30 b.c.) was the most famous holder. The origin of the name is not known. Suggestions have been that it derives from 'antistes', a word of status for a high priest or the overseer of a major temple.
Whether this is so or not, it is logical. As the Romans held most of Northern Europe under their control for nearly five centuries until the year 412 a.d, it is hardly surprising that they have left many memories of their presence, not the least being 'names'. It is unclear when this surname was first recorded. The famous dictionary called 'Etymologisches Worterbuch der Deutschen Familliennamen' published in 1847 lists an Anna Thong of Kassel in 1528, whilst in church registers we found the recordings of Bernhard Thon at Corner, Sachsen-Coburg-Gotha, in 1627, whilst an example of the patronymic spelling is that of Christin Tonnesen who married Berndt van Elst at Cleve, Rheinland, on February 9th 1686.
Adhering to what we know about the way surnames originated, it is possible to offer a realistic explanation of the origins of thon.
In the following lines, you will find everything we have been able to gather about the surname thon.
If you or someone you know bears the surname thon, you could potentially build illustrious lineages through your efforts and virtues. It is our desire to highlight in this section those individuals with the surname thon who, for various reasons, have left their mark on the course of history.
Accessing the archives of the town or towns where your ancestors were born and lived is, of course, a good way to trace the origins of thon.
These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of thon, and at the same time, of surnames in general.