This surname is derived from the name of an ancestor. 'the son of Thomas,' a curious inversion of Tomlin. I have no absolute proof of this, but I cannot doubt it. If I am wrong, then these names are variants of Toleman, which see. In Furness and the neighbouring districts, where Tomlin and Tomlinson (now often Townson) were very familiar, we find Tolming settled for generations.

John Tolmin, of Bolton juxta Arenas, 1641: Lancashire Wills at Richmond.

Richard Towlmyn, of Bolton-by-the- Sands, 1607 ibid.

Ellen Tolman, of Bolton-le-Sands, 1699: ibid.

Thomas Tolming, of Bolton Holms, parish of Bolton, 1728: ibid.

This surname is derived from the name of an ancestor. 'the son of Thomas,' a corruption of Tomlin (q.v). No connexion, as I take it, with Tollman, a tax-gatherer (v. Toleman). The fact is that Toulmin is a North Lancashire surname, where Tomlinson and Tomlin were almost a clan (v. Townson, Towerson, &c). Toulmin simply reverses the two letters 'm' and 'l' (compare Grundy for Gundry, and v. Broderick).

1607. Richard Towlmyn, of Bolton-le-Sands: Lancashire Wills at Richmond.

1623. Richard Towlmyne, of Boulton- by-the-Sands: ibid.

1650. Robert Toulmin, of Bolton-le-Sands: ibid.

1664. Edmund Touleming, of Harlocks, Bolton-le-Sands: ibid.

1804. Married — Joseph Toulmin and Maria Sampson: St. George, Hanover Square.

Whether I be right or wrong in my solution, one thing is certain, the derivation must be sought for in North Lancashire.

17th cent. Tolmin, Towlmyn, isprob. a Northern local name, in which case the second element is the Old Norse minni, mynni, mouth (of a river, valley, etc.): in English usage applied to the meeting of either streams or roads), as in Stalmine, q.v.; and the first element may be the Old Norse pers. name Toli. But there has been some confusion with Tolman.