Drakes

Origin

Drakes is a surname of English origin, deriving from the old English word "draca", meaning dragon or serpent. The surname is classified as topographical, indicating a person who lived near a place associated with dragons.

History

The Drakes surname dates back to medieval times in England, specifically in the counties of Devon and Cornwall. One of the most notable bearers of the surname was Sir Francis Drake, a renowned Elizabethan naval commander and explorer, who is famous for his circumnavigation of the globe and his role in defeating the Spanish Armada. His exploits have contributed to the enduring popularity of the surname Drakes.

Variations

Throughout history, the Drakes surname has been subject to various spelling variations, including Drake, Draik, Drac, and Drak. These variations might have arisen due to differences in regional accents or scribes recording names phonetically.

Present Day

In the present day, the surname Drakes remains relatively common in the United Kingdom, particularly in regions with historical connections to the name such as Devon and Cornwall. Individuals bearing the surname Drakes can be found engaged in a variety of professions and industries, reflecting the diverse nature of modern British society.

Notable Individuals

Apart from Sir Francis Drake, there have been various notable individuals with the surname Drakes, albeit not as famous as the legendary explorer. These include academics, artists, professionals, and individuals from various walks of life, each contributing to the rich tapestry of British history and culture.

There are approximately 464 people named Drakes in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around seven in a million people in Britain are named Drakes.

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
  • Anthony
  • Benjamin
  • Clive
  • David
  • John
  • Malcolm
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Stephen
  • Tarik
  • Timothy

Female

  • Anna
  • Avril
  • Beverley
  • Carol
  • Caroline
  • Felicia
  • Jacqueline
  • Janet
  • Joanna
  • Judith
  • Nicola
  • Sandra
  • Sarah

Similar and related surnames

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

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