HARKNESS
Harkness
Harkness is a prominent surname of British origin, with roots tracing back to the medieval age. The surname is believed to be of locational origin, deriving from the Old English words "har" meaning "grey" and "ness" meaning "headland" or "cape". This suggests that the name likely referred to someone who resided near a grey-coloured geographical feature, such as a grey hill or cliff.
The Harkness family name is most commonly found in the northern regions of England, particularly in the counties of Cumberland and Westmorland. Over time, individuals bearing the surname Harkness spread to other parts of England and beyond, contributing to the diverse diaspora of the name.
The Harkness surname has made significant appearances throughout British history, with notable individuals carrying the name. One such figure is John Harkness, a 16th-century Protestant reformer who played a key role in the Scottish Reformation. The Harkness name has also been associated with academia, with the establishment of the prestigious Harkness Fellowships in the mid-20th century, aimed at fostering intellectual exchange between the United States and the United Kingdom.
Today, individuals bearing the surname Harkness can be found across the globe, with many continuing to uphold the rich heritage and legacy associated with the name. The prevalence of the Harkness surname serves as a testament to the enduring influence of British family history and tradition.
There are approximately 3,430 people named Harkness in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,669th most common surname in Britain. Around 53 in a million people in Britain are named Harkness.
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Robert
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Anna
- Anne
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.