ATKINS
Atkins
Origin and Meaning: Atkins is a surname of English origin, derived from the medieval given name "Atkin," a diminutive of Adam. The name Adam itself originates from the Hebrew word "adama," meaning "earth" or "red earth."
History: The surname Atkins first appeared in written records in the early 13th century in England. The Atkin variant was commonly used in the medieval period, eventually evolving into Atkins as a modern surname. The Atkins family name has spread beyond the United Kingdom, with notable branches found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and other English-speaking countries.
Variants and Spellings: Variants of the Atkins surname include Atkyns, Adkins, Aitkens, and Attkins. These variations reflect regional dialects and changes in spelling conventions over time.
Famous Individuals:
- Robert Atkins (1930-2003): Renowned cardiologist and creator of the Atkins Diet, a popular low-carbohydrate weight-loss plan.
- Chet Atkins (1924-2001): Influential American guitarist and producer known for his role in shaping country and folk music.
- Susan Atkins (1948-2009): Infamously known as a member of the Manson Family and a participant in the Tate-LaBianca murders.
- Rodney Atkins (b. 1969): American country music singer with multiple chart-topping hits.
Legacy: The Atkins surname has left its mark on various fields, including health (Atkins Diet), music (Chet Atkins' contributions to country music), and popular culture (Susan Atkins' involvement in one of the most well-known criminal cases of the 20th century).
Coat of Arms: The Atkins family coat of arms typically features symbols such as a blue shield with a silver star, denoting qualities such as honor, purity, and light. Like many other British surnames, the Atkins family may have unique heraldic designs related to their lineage and history.
References:
- P.H. Reaney, R.M. Wilson, & D. Bardsley, A Dictionary of English Surnames (2003).
- K.M. Beattie, The Book of English Surnames (2017).
- Society of Genealogists, The Atkins Family History (1999).
This entry provides a brief overview of the Atkins surname, highlighting its origins, variations, notable individuals, and cultural impact.
There are approximately 22,410 people named Atkins in the UK. That makes it the 377th most common surname in Britain. Around 344 in a million people in Britain are named Atkins.
Surname type: From name of parent
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
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Jane
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.