Starke

Origin and Meaning
Starke is a surname of English and Scottish origin. In England, it is believed to have derived from the Old English word "stearc," meaning 'strong' or 'firm.' In Scotland, it is thought to have been an Anglicized version of the Gaelic surname Mac a' Ghobhainn, meaning 'son of the smith.'

Distribution
The surname Starke is primarily found in England and Scotland. It is particularly prevalent in regions with strong historical ties to blacksmithing and metalworking.

Notable Individuals

  • Lawrence Starke (1807-1873): A renowned blacksmith from Scotland who revolutionized the design of agricultural tools.
  • Catherine Starke (1922-2005): A British author known for her historical novels set in medieval England.

Coat of Arms
The Starke family coat of arms features a shield divided into quarters, with symbols representing strength, resilience, and craftsmanship.

Variants
Variants of the Starke surname include Stark, Starck, and Starkey.

There are approximately 246 people named Starke in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around four in a million people in Britain are named Starke.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Anthony
  • Christopher
  • Cm
  • Colin
  • Eric
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Martin
  • Michael
  • Pat
  • Richard
  • Timothy

Female

  • Betty
  • Caroline
  • Irene
  • Jean
  • Kathryn
  • Kim
  • Margaret
  • Nicola
  • Sally
  • Susan

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