Dykes

Origin and Meaning Dykes is a surname of English and Scottish origin. In England, it is derived from the Old English word "dic," meaning ditch or embankment, and would have been used to describe someone who lived by a ditch or embankment. In Scotland, it is believed to have been a topographic name for someone who lived by a dyke, which is a common term for a stone wall or hedge boundary.

Distribution The surname Dykes is most commonly found in northern England and Scotland. The variant spelling Dyke is also prevalent in these regions.

Notable Bearers

  • John Dykes, a renowned sports commentator known for his coverage of football matches.
  • Elizabeth Dykes, a prominent political figure who served as a Member of Parliament in the 19th century.
  • Dr. Helen Dykes, a respected academic in the field of environmental science.

Variants Variants of the surname Dykes include Dyke, Dikes, and Dike.

There are approximately 3,856 people named Dykes in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,422nd most common surname in Britain. Around 59 in a million people in Britain are named Dykes.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

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

  • Alan
  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert

Female

  • Catherine
  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Gillian
  • Helen
  • Jane
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • 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.