LANKESTER
Lankester
Lankester is an English surname of Old French origin, derived from the Old French personal name 'Lancester'. The name is believed to have been brought to England during the Norman Conquest of 1066.
Origins and History
The Lankester surname is most commonly associated with the English counties of Suffolk and Norfolk. The earliest recorded instance of the surname dates back to the 13th century, where the name appears in various legal documents and rolls.
The name Lankester has evolved over time and has seen several variations, including Lancaster, Lanchester, and Lankester. This evolution can be attributed to factors such as regional accents and dialects.
Notable Individuals
1. Ray Lankester (1847–1929)
Ray Lankester was a distinguished British zoologist and evolutionary biologist, known for his significant contributions to the field of natural history. He served as the Director of the Natural History Museum in London and was knighted for his services to science.
2. Philip Sclater Lankester (1813–1874)
Philip Sclater Lankester was a renowned English clergyman and naturalist. He made important contributions to the study of marine biology and was a Fellow of the Royal Society.
In Modern Times
The Lankester surname continues to be prevalent in England and the wider English-speaking world. Many individuals bearing this surname have made notable contributions to various fields, including science, literature, and the arts.
References
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Hanks, Patrick, et al. The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press, 2016.
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Reaney, P. H., et al. A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press, 2016.
There are approximately 604 people named Lankester in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around nine in a million people in Britain are named Lankester.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- David
- Jack
- John
- Matthew
- Neal
- Nicholas
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Simon
- Thomas
- Toby
- William
Female
- Anna
- Anne
- Clare
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Jane
- Joan
- Julie
- Laura
- Maureen
- Sarah