This very unusual name has a long history, although the origins are rather obscure. The derivation is almost certainly from the Old French "Tenche", a nickname metonymic for a fresh water fisherman, although it is possible that the name could be a nickname for a (quote) "sleek and well rounded" person ! The name in its various spelling is most recorded in the East Anglia region and this is probably further confirmation of the original meaning. It is possible, although not proven that the name is a shortened form of Tinker, one who repairs pots and pans, and a surname also found in East Anglia. The recordings include Ann Tynke of Bungay, who married Richard Coates on October 17th 1599, Fillup Tinke, a witness at All Saints Church, South Elmham on September 4th 1659, whilst John and Mary Tink were recorded at Wisselt, Suffolk, on February 23rd 1660. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of William and Alan Tenche, which was dated 1193, The County Pipe Roll Register of Lincolnshire, during the reign of King Richard 1, "The Lionheart", 1189 - 1199. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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