TURK

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Turk

Overview:

Turk is a commonly found surname of English origin, often associated with people of Turkish descent. The surname has its roots in the medieval times, specifically after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, when many surnames were adopted based on a person's occupation, place of origin, or physical characteristic. The surname "Turk" is thought to have been initially bestowed upon individuals who had some connection to Turkey, with the term "Turk" being used in a broader sense to denote individuals from the Byzantine, Ottoman, or Holy Roman Empires during that period.

Variants:

The surname Turk may have variations in spelling, such as Turck, Turks, or Turke.

Distribution:

The surname Turk is prevalent in various regions of England, though its concentration may be higher in areas that have a historical association with the Ottoman Empire or medieval Turkish trading routes. The surname has also spread to other parts of the British Isles and to countries where individuals of British descent have migrated over the centuries.

Famous Individuals:

Richard Turk (1920–1991) – Renowned British historian specialising in the history of the Ottoman Empire.
Sophie Turk (b. 1975) – Accomplished British designer, known for her innovative work in the fashion industry.

Legacy:

The surname Turk, like many other English surnames, has an enduring presence in British society and beyond. It serves as a link to the historical intertwining of European and Turkish cultures and migration patterns over the centuries.

References:

Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A dictionary of English surnames. Oxford University Press.
Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford dictionary of family names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.

Note: This entry is a concise overview of the British surname Turk and is intended for general informational purposes. For more detailed genealogical or historical research, additional sources and references are recommended.

There are approximately 1,541 people named Turk in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,247th most common surname in Britain. Around 24 in a million people in Britain are named Turk.

Surname type: From given name or forename

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Ireland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

Adam
Andrew
Christopher
David
Hasan
James
John
Michael
Paul
Richard
Simon

Female

Andrea
Caroline
Charlotte
Elizabeth
Hannah
Jane
Jessica
Joanna
Linda
Lisa
Louise
Margaret
Mary
Sarah
Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.