The surname Tuite is usually associated with Ireland, although now found in many parts of the world. It is generally considered that the surname first came to Ireland with the arrival Sir Richard de Tiut during the Anglo-Norman invasion of 1169-71. Richard was granted landed in the centre of the country in the modern counties of Westmeath and Longford as a vassal of Hugh de Lacy, another important Anglo-Norman.

Richard is believed to be the founding ancestor of the Tuite family of Ireland. However, it has been suggested that some Tuites may be of Gaelic Irish origin. The surname Mac Confhiaclaigh may have been anglicised to Tuite at some point. It has also been proposed that some Irish Tuite lines may stem from English settlers in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

The purpose of this project is to try and determine the inter-relationships between the various Tuite families worldwide and attempt to shed some light on the possible origins of the family in Ireland and beyond. The distribution of the surname in Ireland today is still strongly associated with the land granted to Richard de Tiut in the twelfth century. The counties of Meath, Westmeath and Longford have significant numbers of Tuites today. Louth, Cavan, Monaghan and Dublin have smaller but long-standing populations. The name is also found in isolated counties not adjacent to the historical homeland. Limerick is a good example of this. Modern locations generally echo distribution patterns seen in nineteenth century source such as Griffith’s Primary Valuation of Ireland (1848-1864) and the Tithe Applotment Books (1823-1838).

The project welcomes potential members who have taken or intend to take a Y-DNA test. Ideally a 37 marker test should be considered the minimum level of testing. This would allow a more meaningful comparison of results between members. However, a 12 marker test can provide an economical introduction to testing and allows upgrading to more markers at a later date. Bear in mind that 12 marker results will not provide the same scope of information compared to 37 and 67 marker profiles. Only male testers can take a Y-DNA test but females who can test a male Tuite (or variant surname) such as a father, brother, cousin etc. are very welcome to join.

Please feel free to contact the project administrator for advice and the project looks forward to welcoming new members in the years ahead.