ASKEW
Askew
Askew is an ancient English surname that has its origins in Old Norse. The name is believed to have been derived from the Old Norse personal name Ásketill, composed of the elements "ás", meaning god, and "ketill", meaning kettle. The surname Askew has been found recorded in various forms throughout history, including Eskew, Ascough, Aiscough, and Aiskew. The variations in spelling can be attributed to the way the name evolved over centuries through different regions and dialects.
The Askew surname is notably associated with the North of England, particularly in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. The name has been found in records dating back to the Middle Ages, suggesting a long history in the region.
One of the most famous bearers of the surname Askew was Anne Askew (1521–1546), an English poet and Protestant who was persecuted for her religious beliefs during the reign of King Henry VIII. Askew's courageous stance during her trial and her eventual martyrdom have made her a significant figure in English history.
Over the centuries, the surname Askew has spread beyond its original Northern roots and can now be found throughout the United Kingdom and in other English-speaking countries. Today, individuals with the surname Askew continue to carry on the name's rich heritage and history.
References:
- Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.
- The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. (2016). Oxford University Press.
There are approximately 6,666 people named Askew in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,409th most common surname in Britain. Around 102 in a million people in Britain are named Askew.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
Female
- Caroline
- Catherine
- Christine
- Claire
- Diane
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan