BANKS
Banks
Origins
Banks is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old English word "banke", meaning a hillside or slope. It is a toponymic surname, indicating that the original bearers of the name lived near a hill or slope. The surname Banks is commonly found in various English-speaking countries, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States.
History
The Banks surname has ancient roots in England, dating back to the medieval period. The name was originally used to identify individuals who lived near a geographical feature such as a bank or hillside. Over time, the surname became hereditary, passing down from one generation to the next.
The Banks family has been historically prominent in various regions of Britain. One of the most notable figures with the surname Banks was Sir Joseph Banks (1743-1820), a British naturalist and botanist who accompanied Captain James Cook on his voyage to the South Pacific. Sir Joseph Banks made significant contributions to the field of botany and plant exploration.
Distribution and Popularity
The surname Banks is relatively common in the United Kingdom and the United States, where individuals with this surname can be found across different regions. In the UK, Banks is most prevalent in northern England, particularly in the counties of Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Durham.
Famous Individuals
Aside from Sir Joseph Banks, the Banks surname is associated with several other notable individuals across various fields, including literature, entertainment, and sports. Some famous individuals with the surname Banks include:
- Elizabeth Banks: American actress, director, and producer.
- Tyra Banks: American model, television personality, and businesswoman.
- Iain Banks: Scottish author known for his novels such as "The Wasp Factory" and "The Crow Road".
- Gordon Banks: English footballer and FIFA World Cup-winning goalkeeper.
Coat of Arms
The Banks family crest features symbols that represent their heritage and values. The coat of arms typically includes elements such as a shield, helmet, crest, and motto, all of which hold significance within the heraldic tradition.
Modern Usage
In contemporary society, the Banks surname continues to be passed down through generations, maintaining its presence as a recognizable and respected family name. Many individuals with the surname Banks take pride in their heritage and ancestral connections, preserving the legacy of their family name.
Overall, the Banks surname carries a rich history and legacy, reflecting the contributions and achievements of the diverse individuals who have borne the name throughout the centuries.
There are approximately 29,160 people named Banks in the UK. That makes it the 277th most common surname in Britain. Around 448 in a million people in Britain are named Banks.
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
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Bahns
- Baines
- Bains
- Ban
- Banas
- Banc
- Banca
- Banck
- Bancks
- Banco
- Bancsi
- Bancu
- Bancy
- Banes
- Bangs
- Banis
- Bank
- Banka
- Banke
- Bankes
- Bankey
- Banki
- Bankis
- Banko
- Bankosz
- Bankson
- Banky
- Bannes
- Bannocks
- Banns
- Banos
- Banques
- Bans
- Banse
- Banus
- Banys
- Baynes
- Bayns
- Behnke
- Beinke
- Benck
- Bencke
- Benka
- Benke
- Benko
- Benks
- Binks
- Bonks
- Bunks
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.