OAKES
Oakes is an English surname of topographical origin. It derives from the Old English word ac, meaning "oak tree". The name was originally given to individuals who lived near or within an oak grove or forest, and the oak tree was traditionally associated with strength and durability. Consequently, the surname may have been applied as a nickname to someone known for a robust constitution.
Evidence of the antiquity of the name appears in the Shropshire Hundred Rolls of 1273, where the spelling Adam at the Ock is recorded during the reign of King Edward I, also known as "The Hammer of the Scots". This early documentary reference demonstrates that the surname was established by the early thirteenth century.
The surname has undergone several orthographic variations over time, including Oake, Oak, Oakes, Oakens and Oakker. Modern bearers of the name may trace their ancestry to various minor localities in England named with the word Oak, such as Oake in Somerset or Oaken in Staffordshire.
One notable individual bearing the name is Sir Henry Oakes, the second baronet (1756–1827). He achieved the rank of lieutenant‑general in the East India Company. The Oakes family was granted a coat of arms consisting of a quarter‑led shield. The blazon reads: "1st and 4th gules, two lions combatant argent; 2nd and 3rd sable, a fesse between six acorns ore. The crest is an oak tree fructed between two lions combatant, and the family motto is 'Persevere'.
Throughout its recorded history, the surname Oakes has remained distinctly English. It continues to be borne by individuals across the United Kingdom and, through migration, in former British colonies. The name retains its original topographical connotations, linking contemporary bearers to the enduring symbolism of the oak tree.
Typical given names associated with the Oakes surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Angela
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Janet
- Jennifer
- Julie
- 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.
How to communicate the surname Oakes in...
Braille
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Morse
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Semaphore
Did you know?
According to a survey carried out by Democracy Club, politicians and candidates with the surname Oakes are most likely to say that their favourite biscuit is a Hobnob.
There are approximately 10,029 people named Oakes in the UK. That makes it the 922nd most common surname in Britain. Around 154 in a million people in Britain are named Oakes.
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Famous people named Oakes
- David Oakes - Actor
- Richard Oakes - Guitarist and songwriter.
- Alan Oakes - Football player
- Michael Oakes - Football
- Fiona Oakes - Marathon runner
- Stefan Oakes - Football player
- Andy Oakes - Football player
- Judy Oakes - Shot putter
- Scott Oakes - Football player
- Gordon Oakes - Politician (1931 to 2005)
- Oliver Oakes - Racing driver
- Jimmy Oakes - Football player (1902 to 1992)
- Jackie Oakes - Scottish football player (1919 to 1995)
- Keith Oakes - Football player
- Jack Oakes - Football player (1905 to 1992)
- Ross Oakes - Rugby league football player
- Alf Oakes - Football player (1901 to 1967)
- Will Oakes -
- Hildebrand Oakes - General (1754 to 1822)
- Sir Henry Oakes - General (1756 to 1827)
Names and descriptions courtesy of Wikipedia, and may contain errors. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of every famous person with this name.