Dawkins

Origin and Meaning

Dawkins is an English surname derived from the given name "Daw", which was a medieval short form of the name "David". The suffix "-kin" was added as a diminutive, indicating "son of Daw". Therefore, Dawkins means "son of Daw".

History

The surname Dawkins has been traced back to medieval England, with records showing its presence in various regions across the country. It is believed to have originated in the early 13th century in Kent, where the first known recording of the name was found in the form "Dalkin" in 1182.

Over the centuries, the Dawkins surname spread to other parts of England, and variations in spelling emerged, such as Docking, Dauking, and others. The name became more prominent in the West Country, particularly in Gloucestershire and Somerset.

Notable Individuals

  • Richard Dawkins (b. 1941): Renowned evolutionary biologist, ethologist, and author, known for his work in popularising science, particularly the theory of evolution.
  • Clinton Richard Dawkins (b. 1941): English musician and songwriter, best known as the bassist for the progressive rock band "Genesis".

Modern Day

Today, the surname Dawkins continues to be found predominantly in the British Isles and the United States. Many individuals with the surname have made significant contributions to various fields, including science, music, and literature. The name remains a part of the rich tapestry of British surnames, reflecting the heritage and roots of those who bear it.

There are approximately 6,096 people named Dawkins in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,550th most common surname in Britain. Around 94 in a million people in Britain are named Dawkins.

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

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Claire
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Laura
  • Margaret
  • Patricia
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Sharon
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

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

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.