WILKIE
Wilkie
Wilkie is a surname of English and Scottish origin. The name is derived from the medieval given name "Wilkie," which itself is a short form of the name "William." The surname Wilkie is classified as being of patronymic origin, meaning it is derived from the first name of an ancestor.
Origins
The Wilkie surname is thought to have originated in England and Scotland during the medieval period. The name is believed to have been introduced to Britain by the Normans, who brought it over during the Norman Conquest of 1066. Over time, the name Wilkie has spread throughout the British Isles and beyond, carried by descendants of the original bearers.
Distribution
The surname Wilkie is relatively common in Scotland and northern England, particularly in regions historically associated with Scottish settlement, such as the Scottish Borders and Northumberland. The name has also spread to other English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, through migration and emigration.
Notable Bearers
David Wilkie (1785–1841) - A renowned Scottish painter, known for his historical and genre scenes. Wilkie's works often depicted everyday life and historical events with great detail and emotion.
Oscar Wilkie (1890–1963) - A British politician and statesman who served as a Member of Parliament and held various government positions, including Secretary of State for War, in the mid-20th century.
Lilian Wilkie (1925–2010) - An English author and poet known for her contributions to children's literature, including several popular series of books.
Legacy
The Wilkie surname has continued to be passed down through generations, maintaining a link to the family histories and legacies of its bearers. Today, individuals with the surname Wilkie can be found across a variety of professions and walks of life, contributing to the diversity and richness of British and global society.
There are approximately 6,607 people named Wilkie in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,431st most common surname in Britain. Around 101 in a million people in Britain are named Wilkie.
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alan
- Alexander
- Andrew
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Mark
- Robert
- William
Female
- Angela
- Anne
- Catherine
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Jacqueline
- Jean
- Laura
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sandra
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.