Stokes

Origin and Meaning

Stokes is an English surname of Anglo-Saxon origin. The name is derived from the Old English word "stocc," which means "place" or "enclosure," typically referring to a fenced-in area or a settlement. Over time, this name likely denoted someone who lived near a stockade or a boundary marker.

Distribution and Popularity

The surname Stokes is primarily found in the British Isles, with a concentration in England. It is also common in other English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, Australia, and Canada. As of recent data, it ranks as the 1,218th most common surname in England.

Notable Individuals

  • Carl B. Stokes (1927-1996): Carl Burton Stokes was an American attorney, politician, and the first African-American mayor of a major U.S. city (Cleveland, Ohio).
  • Phyllis Stokes (b. 1963): Phyllis Ada Stokes is a British actress known for her work in theatre and on television.

Coat of Arms

The Stokes family crest typically features heraldic elements such as a shield with symbols like chevrons, lions, or crosses, reflecting the family's history and origins.

Famous Families

One prominent family bearing the surname Stokes is the Stokes family of North Carolina, known for their contributions to politics, business, and philanthropy in the United States.

References

  • Hanks, P., Hardcastle, K., & Hodges, F. (2006). A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford University Press.
  • Reaney, P. H. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.

There are approximately 28,014 people named Stokes in the UK. That makes it the 287th most common surname in Britain. Around 430 in a million people in Britain are named Stokes.

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert

Female

  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Jane
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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