FOULKES
Foulkes
Foulkes is a surname of Welsh origin, derived from the personal name "Fulco", meaning "people". It is believed to have Norman roots and was introduced to Britain after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The surname has various spellings, including Folkes and Foulks.
Etymology: The surname Foulkes is derived from the Old French personal name "Fulco", itself originating from the Germanic element 'folk', meaning people or tribe. The name gradually evolved into variations like Folke, Folk, Foulk, and eventually Foulkes.
Distribution: The surname Foulkes is most commonly found in Wales and the border regions of England, particularly in Shropshire, Cheshire, and Staffordshire. It is also present in various other parts of Britain and has migrated to countries such as the United States, Australia, and Canada due to historical emigration patterns.
Notable Individuals:
- James Foulkes (1786-1862) - A British clergyman and scholar known for his works on church history and theology.
- Humphrey Foulkes (1913-1987) - An English artist and sculptor noted for his contributions to the modern art movement.
- Gemma Foulkes (b. 1985) - A British actress famous for her roles in various stage productions and TV dramas.
Coat of Arms: The Foulkes family has varied coat of arms, symbolising different branches and lineages of the surname. Generally, these coats of arms feature elements like lions, crosses, and chevrons, denoting attributes such as strength, valour, and faith.
Legacy: The surname Foulkes has established itself as a distinctive part of British heritage, with numerous individuals across generations bearing its name and contributing to fields such as academia, arts, and public service. Through their endeavours and accomplishments, the Foulkes surname continues to leave a mark on history and society.
There are approximately 4,993 people named Foulkes in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,887th most common surname in Britain. Around 77 in a million people in Britain are named Foulkes.
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
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
- William
Female
- Deborah
- Elizabeth
- Gillian
- Helen
- Janet
- Julie
- Linda
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- 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.