Find out how popular the last name Tabbs is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Tabbs.

Tabbs, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Tabbs surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Tabbs in America

Tabbs is the 102688th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Tabbs surname appeared 175 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Tabbs.

We can also compare 2010 data for Tabbs to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Tabbs

The surname Tabbs is believed to have originated in England, with its roots tracing back to the 13th century. It is derived from the Old English word "tab," which referred to a latch or fastening device used on doors or gates. This suggests that the name may have been initially given as an occupational surname to someone who worked as a latch-maker or a gate-keeper.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Tabbs can be found in the Hundred Rolls of Huntingdonshire, a medieval census-like document compiled in 1273. It mentions a certain "Walter Tabbe," indicating that the name was already in use during that time period. Additionally, the Subsidy Rolls of Sussex, dating back to 1296, also contain references to individuals with the surname Tabbs or similar spellings, such as "Thomas Tabbe" and "John Tabbe."

Interestingly, the Tabbs surname appears to have been particularly prevalent in the county of Sussex during the medieval and early modern periods. Several historic records, including parish registers and tax rolls, document the presence of families bearing this name in various villages and towns across the region.

One notable historical figure associated with the surname Tabbs was John Tabbs (1675-1742), a renowned clockmaker from Lewes, Sussex. He was responsible for creating several intricate and innovative timepieces that are still highly regarded by horological enthusiasts today. Another individual of note was William Tabbs (1721-1798), a successful merchant who owned several properties in Brighton and played a significant role in the town's economic development during the 18th century.

Another area where the Tabbs surname has historical roots is the county of Norfolk. Records from the 16th and 17th centuries indicate the presence of families with this name in various villages and towns throughout the region. One notable individual was Robert Tabbs (1586-1648), a prominent landowner and farmer from the village of Rougham in Norfolk.

Beyond England, the surname Tabbs has also been found in historical records from other parts of the British Isles, including Wales and Scotland. However, its origins and earliest documented instances can be traced back to the English counties of Sussex and Norfolk.

Overall, the surname Tabbs has a rich and fascinating history, with its roots stretching back to the 13th century and connections to various occupations, locations, and notable individuals throughout the centuries. Its enduring presence in various regions of England and beyond serves as a testament to its longevity and cultural significance.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Tabbs

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Tabbs.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Tabbs was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Tabbs has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

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

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

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