Teig first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Teig has been for the last 10 years (from 2003 to 2012) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Teig

A Celtic masculine name derived from Gaelic meaning "poet" or "philosopher".

Popularity of Teig by gender

Based on the last 10 years of data, Teig is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2012, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Teig.

Year Male Count Female Count
2012 6 0
2003 6 0

The history of the first name Teig

The name Teig originates from the Irish language and has been in use since the Middle Ages. It is a diminutive form of the name Tadhg, which is derived from the Old Irish word "tadg," meaning "poet" or "philosopher."

Teig was a popular name among the ancient Irish Celtic clans, particularly in regions like Munster and Connacht. Its earliest recorded use can be traced back to medieval Irish manuscripts and annals, where it appeared as a personal name for both men and women.

In ancient Irish mythology, Teig was the name of several prominent figures, including Teig Óg Ó Súilleabháin, a 16th-century Irish poet and historian. Another notable bearer of the name was Teig MacCarthy, a 15th-century Irish lord and chieftain of the MacCarthy clan.

During the Middle Ages, Teig was a common name among Irish nobility and literary figures. One such individual was Teig Dall Ó Huiginn, a 16th-century Irish poet and historian who was known for his extensive works on Irish genealogy and history.

In later centuries, the name Teig continued to be used among Irish families, although its popularity waned with the Anglicization of Irish names. One notable bearer of the name in modern times was Teig O'Brien (1844-1923), an Irish-born Canadian politician and lawyer who served as the seventh Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba.

Other historical figures who bore the name Teig include Teig O'Rourke (1615-1667), an Irish Franciscan friar and author, and Teig O'Neachtain (fl. 1650), an Irish scribe and manuscript copyist known for his work in preserving ancient Irish texts.

Throughout its long history, the name Teig has been a reflection of Irish culture, language, and literary traditions. While its usage may have declined in recent times, it remains a unique and significant name with deep roots in the rich heritage of the Emerald Isle.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Teig was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Teig, please contact us.

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"Teig first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on May 22, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/teig-meaning-and-history/.

"Teig first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/teig-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 22 May, 2025

Teig first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/teig-meaning-and-history/.

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