BARKES

Barkes is an English surname that originated in the British Isles, specifically in England. It is recorded predominantly in the English language and has traditionally been associated with Christian communities.

The name derives from the Middle English word bark, meaning to tan or cure leather. Consequently, it is an occupational surname originally applied to individuals involved in the leather industry, such as a tanner or a bark merchant. It may also have been used for a person who lived near a place where bark was collected or processed, for example, a barkhouse—a small tannery.

Another derivation of the surname relates to the Old English word berc, meaning birch. In this sense, Barkes may have been adopted by families who resided near birch woods or who worked with birch materials. The earliest document citing the name on this basis dates from 1168 in Derbyshire.

Several variant spellings are recorded, including Barkas, Barkis, Barkhouse, Barkiss, Barks, Barke, Bark, Wilbark, Wilbarkes, Barquess, Bancks, Banckses, Bankes, Banks, and Barkers. All of these share the same etymological root and are documented in Yorkshire and London from the mid‑1500s onwards.

The earliest extant spelling of the family name appears in the Poll Tax records of Yorkshire in 1379 as Thomas del Barkhous. Earlier references include a Hugh de Barkhowse who, in the 14th century, transferred all his goods and chattels in his tannery at Beauchief to Ralph de Dore. Records in London churches show a Rose Barkes marrying James Noare on 18 February 1589, Samuell Barkes christened on 7 October 1655 at St. Mary's, Whitechapel, Stepney, and Sarah Barkes marrying Joseph Jones on 19 March 1681 at Christ Church, Southwark.

In the New World, an Elizabeth Barkes married John Davis at St. James in Dukes Barke and was registered on the death register of Virginia on 16 February 1623. These documents attest to the migration of families bearing the name to America in the early 17th century.

Throughout the centuries, holders of the Barkes surname have served in diverse public roles. Individuals bearing the name have been mayors, sheriffs, merchants, and financiers, thereby contributing to commerce and banking in English towns and cities. In modern times, members of the Barkes family remain active in public life, supporting local charities, education, and sport, particularly in Lancashire, Yorkshire, Somerset, and London.

Today, the surname Barkes is most commonly found in England, Australia, and New Zealand, but it also exists in smaller concentrations in the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world. The name continues to be associated with a sense of pride in heritage, community service, and the enduring legacy of its occupational and locational origins.

Typical given names associated with the Barkes surname

Male

• Andrew
• Anthony
• Bryan
• Christopher
• David
• Edward
• George
• Jason
• John
• Matthew
• Oliver
• Robert
• Thomas
• William

Female

• Elise
• Elizabeth
• Emma
• Janet
• Jean
• Joanne
• Katherine
• Kelli
• Laura
• Louise
• Margaret
• Nicola
• Rita
• Sarah

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

How to communicate the surname Barkes in...

Braille

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Morse

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Semaphore

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

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