DARKE

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Darke

Darke is a surname of English origin, believed to have been derived from the Old English word "deorc," meaning dark or swarthy. The surname Darke is primarily found in the southwestern counties of England, particularly in Cornwall and Devon.

The Darke family name has ancient roots, dating back to the medieval period, and is associated with various notable individuals throughout history. One prominent figure with the surname Darke was Major General Sir Thomas Holdup Massey Darke (1803–1870), a distinguished British Army officer who served in India during the 19th century.

The Darke family crest features a shield with distinctive heraldic symbols, often including elements such as crosses, stars, and lions. This crest reflects the family's history and achievements, embodying traits of strength, valour, and resilience.

Today, individuals bearing the surname Darke can be found across the United Kingdom and in various other parts of the world. The name continues to carry a sense of heritage and tradition, preserving the legacy of the Darke family through generations.

There are approximately 1,527 people named Darke in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,278th most common surname in Britain. Around 23 in a million people in Britain are named Darke.

Surname type: Nickname

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
Colin
Ian
James
John
Michael
Neil
Paul
Peter
Richard
Robert
Stephen

Female

Alison
Carol
Caroline
Elizabeth
Emma
Jane
Linda
Margaret
Nicola
Rebecca
Sally
Sarah
Susan

Similar and related surnames

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