WILKES
Wilkes
Wilkes is a surname of English origin, derived from the given name William. The name has been documented in records dating back to the medieval period, predominantly in the counties of Sussex, Kent, and Essex.
History
The Wilkes family name has a rich history, with notable figures bearing this surname. One such individual is John Wilkes (1725–1797), an English politician, journalist, and radical who is known for his support of civil liberties and freedom of the press. Wilkes was a prominent figure in 18th-century politics and is remembered for his court battles to establish the right of journalists to report on parliamentary proceedings.
Distribution
The surname Wilkes is found throughout the United Kingdom, with concentrations in areas where the name has historical roots. Variants of the name, such as Wilkins and Wilkinson, are also common, reflecting the diverse family branches that have adopted variations of the original surname over time.
Notable People
- John Wilkes (1725–1797): English politician, journalist, and radical.
- Mark Wilkes: Contemporary British artist known for his innovative sculptures.
- Lucy Wilkes: Award-winning British author and historian.
Trivia
- The Wilkes family crest features a lion rampant holding a sword, symbolizing courage and strength.
- The Wilkes surname is thought to have Anglo-Saxon origins, derived from the Old English name "Will", meaning desire or will, and "helm", meaning helmet or protection.
The surname Wilkes continues to be borne by individuals across the United Kingdom and serves as a link to the family's historical roots and achievements.
There are approximately 13,310 people named Wilkes in the UK. That makes it the 676th most common surname in Britain. Around 204 in a million people in Britain are named Wilkes.
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
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Janet
- Joanne
- Julie
- Margaret
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Samantha
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.