This page needs Javascript enabled in order to work properly. Click here for instructions on how to enable it in your browser.
Surname Header Image
Get access to Tabb family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Tabb Family History

Tabb Surname Meaning

English (Cornwall and Devon) is derived from a Middle English personal name that has its roots in Old English Tæbba. The origin of this name remains uncertain, and it may not be related to similar words in subsequent entries.

One possibility is that the name is a nickname coming from the Middle English term tabbe, which means ‘tab’ or ‘short strap’. This connection highlights the potential linguistic evolution and adaptation of names over time.

The exploration of names like Tæbba reflects the complex interplay between language, culture, and regional influences in English history. As such, names can often carry rich stories about their origins and meanings.

Understanding the etymology of personal names helps reveal the historical context in which they were used, showcasing how language evolves through personal and societal shifts.

Overall, the study of names like Tæbba, with their varied interpretations and origins, serves as a fascinating glimpse into the cultural heritage of regions like Cornwall and Devon.

Source: Dictionary of American Family Names 2nd edition, 2022


Similar surnames: 

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Tabb family from?

You can see how Tabb families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Tabb family name was found in the USA, the UK, Canada, and Scotland between 1840 and 1920. The most Tabb families were found in USA in 1880. In 1911 there were 31 Tabb families living in Ontario. This was about 65% of all the recorded Tabb's in Canada. Ontario had the highest population of Tabb families in 1911.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Tabb surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
Mapbox
© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap Improve this map

What did your Tabb ancestors do for a living?

In 1921, Farmer was the top reported job for people in the Canada named Tabb. 50% of Tabb men worked as a Farmer.

View Census Data for Tabb | Data not to scale

*We display top occupations by gender to maintain their historical accuracy during times when men and women often performed different jobs.

Top Male Occupations In 1921

  • Farmer
    50%
  • Traveller
    17%
  • Labourer
    17%
  • Laborer
    17%

What Tabb family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 21,000 census records available for the last name Tabb. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Tabb census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search Canadian census records for Tabb

Passenger Lists

There are 2,000 immigration records available for the last name Tabb. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in Canada, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Tabb immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 4,000 military records available for the last name Tabb. For the veterans among your Tabb ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Tabb military records

You've only scratched the surface of Tabb family history

Discover More

What is the average Tabb lifespan?

Between 1942 and 2004, in the United States, Tabb life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1949, and highest in 1964. The average life expectancy for Tabb in 1942 was 32, and 74 in 2004.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Tabb

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Tabb ancestors lived in harsh conditions. A short lifespan might also indicate health problems that were once prevalent in your family. The SSDI is a searchable database of more than 70 million names. You can find birthdates, death dates, addresses and more.

Discover the unique achievements of ancestors in the Tabb family tree

Explore Your Tree
Search for another surname
Enter last name/surname
Start a 14-Day Free Trial