KIRK
Kirk
Definition: Kirk is a common surname of British origin, derived from the Old Norse word "kirkja," meaning church. This indicates that the name may have originally been used to denote someone who lived near or worked at a church. The surname Kirk is widespread across the United Kingdom and has been present in British history for many centuries.
Origins: The surname Kirk likely originated in northern England and Scotland, areas that were heavily influenced by Norse settlement during the Viking Age. It is believed that the surname was used to identify individuals who had an association with a local church, either as a clergy member, church worker, or someone who lived near a church.
Variants: Variants of the surname Kirk include Kirke, Kirkman, and Kirchner, among others. These variations may have developed over time as the name was passed down through different generations or as individuals migrated to other regions.
Famous Individuals:
- James T. Kirk: Fictional character in the Star Trek franchise, known for his role as captain of the starship USS Enterprise.
- Peter Kirk: British politician who served as Member of Parliament for Sunderland from 1865 to 1885.
- S. Thomas Kirk: Noted British botanist and naturalist known for his contributions to the study of New Zealand's flora.
Modern Distribution: Today, the surname Kirk can be found in various countries around the world, with a notable concentration in the United Kingdom and the United States. Individuals with the surname Kirk have made significant contributions to fields such as politics, literature, and entertainment.
Legacy: The surname Kirk carries with it a legacy of a connection to the church and possibly a history of service within religious institutions. It stands as a reminder of the family histories and ancestral roots of those who bear the name.
References:
- Reaney, P.H., Wilson, R.M. (1991). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Routledge.
- Hanks, P., Coates, R., McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.
There are approximately 26,538 people named Kirk in the UK. That makes it the 303rd most common surname in Britain. Around 408 in a million people in Britain are named Kirk.
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
- Andrew
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Julie
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Cark
- Cork
- Kirke
- Kark
- Karki
- Curk
- Kerck
- Karck
- Kir
- Kira
- Karko
- Kerk
- Kerks
- Kirck
- Kirkes
- Kirkey
- Kirkie
- Kirkos
- Kirks
- Kirksey
- Kirkus
- Kirky
- Korc
- Korck
- Korek
- Kork
- Kurc
- Kurk
- Kurka
- Kurke
- Kurko
- Kiar
- Kier
- Kircay
- Kirch
- Kire
- Kirik
- Kirkam
- Kirkan
- Kirkby
- Kirken
- Kirker
- Kirkhy
- Kirkuk
- Kirkum
- Kirr
- Kirs
- Korkou
- Corrick
- Crack
- Cragg
- Craig
- Crake
- Creagh
- Creak
- Creek
- Garg
- Garrick
- Gregg
- Grigg
- Kirkup
- Kyriacou
- Quirk
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.