Perkes is a surname of English origin that traces its roots to the medieval given name Peter, itself derived from the Greek name Petros, meaning “rock” or “stone.” The name’s presence in England reflects the long-standing Christian tradition that celebrated Saint Peter, the apostle and rock upon which the Church was metaphorically founded.

The suffix -es in the surname denotes a patronymic construction, indicating “son of.” Accordingly, Perkes means “son of Peter.” This construction follows a common pattern in English surnames where the son’s name is appended with a suffix to denote descent. The surname is an alternate spelling of the more frequently encountered name Perkins, and both names are used interchangeably in historical records.

Geographically, the surname is confined to the British Isles, with particular concentration in England. It is predominantly found among English-speaking populations that historically adhered to Christian faith, reflecting the religious and cultural milieu that fostered the adoption of names derived from biblical figures.

While the surname Perkes is less common than its variant Perkins, it remains a distinct marker of lineage, indicating ancestry that can be traced back to an individual named Peter. Its enduring presence in parish registers, wills, and legal documents demonstrates the continuity of the patronymic naming system across successive generations within England.

Typical given names associated with the Perkes surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Alexander
  • Andrew
  • David
  • Graham
  • Kevin
  • Lee
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Simon
  • Stephen
  • Stewart

Female

  • Dawn
  • Debra
  • Donna
  • Geraldine
  • Irene
  • Jayne
  • Karen
  • Laura
  • Natalie
  • Patricia
  • Rebecca
  • Susan
  • Teresa

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 Perkes in...

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There are approximately 170 people named Perkes in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around three in a million people in Britain are named Perkes.

Surname type: From name of parent

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

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