SYKES
Sykes
Origin and Meaning: Sykes is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old English word "sic," meaning a small stream or streamlet. It is a toponymic name for someone who lived near a stream or brook, commonly found in Yorkshire and other parts of England.
History: The Sykes surname dates back to medieval England, particularly in the Yorkshire region where the Sykes family has been prominent for centuries. The name is thought to have originated in the West Yorkshire area, where the family held lands and were known as landowners and prominent figures in local communities.
Notable Individuals:
- Sir Tatton Sykes (1772–1863): A British politician and landowner known for his contributions to agricultural improvements in Yorkshire.
- Christopher Sykes (1907–1986): An English writer and biographer, known for his works on historical and political subjects.
- Melanie Sykes (b. 1970): A British television and radio presenter, best known for her work on popular TV shows.
- Alan Sykes (b. 1945): A former English cricketer who played for Yorkshire and Warwickshire.
Variants: Variants of the surname Sykes include Syke, Sikes, and Sykens.
Genealogy: The Sykes surname has a rich genealogical history, with various branches of the family tracing their ancestry back through generations of Sykes in England. Genealogy resources and historical records can be used to research and trace the family lineage of individuals with the surname Sykes.
Modern Distribution: Today, the surname Sykes is found not only in England but also in various English-speaking countries around the world, due to immigration and migration patterns. It remains a relatively common surname, with individuals bearing the name holding diverse occupations and roles in society.
References:
- Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
- Sykes Family History. Ancestry.com.
- "Sykes (Surname)." Wikipedia.
There are approximately 19,933 people named Sykes in the UK. That makes it the 428th most common surname in Britain. Around 306 in a million people in Britain are named Sykes.
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
- James
- John
- Mark
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
Female
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan