POLK
Polk
Introduction Polk is a British surname with a historical origin. It is derived from the Old English word "pol" which means a pool or a small body of still water. The surname Polk may therefore have originally denoted someone who lived near or by a pool.
Historical Distribution The surname Polk is not very common in Britain. It is more prevalent in other countries such as the United States, where it has a stronger historical presence due to the American president James K. Polk (1795–1849).
Famous Bearers One of the most notable bearers of the surname Polk is James K. Polk, the 11th President of the United States. His presidency (1845–1849) was marked by the expansion of U.S. territory through the annexation of Texas, the Oregon Territory, and the conclusion of the Mexican-American War.
Variants Variants of the surname Polk include Polke, Pollock, and Polkinghorne.
There are approximately 53 people named Polk in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named Polk.
Region of origin: Europe
Country of origin: Germany
Language of origin: German