Surname Wickes - Meaning and Origin
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Wickes: What does the surname Wickes mean?
The surname Wickes is of Anglo-Saxon origin and derived from the Old English pre 7th century word "wic," which means a dairy farm or settlement. The name was likely originally a topographical or occupational name, signifying someone who lived or worked by a dairy farm. The "e" in Wickes could have been added following Middle English phonetic changes. As with many surnames, variations of the name exist, including Wick, Wicks, and Weekes. It is often found in English and American records, signifying the migration and spreading of the name. It is important to note that the use and perceived meaning of surnames can vary significantly based on cultural and regional differences.
Order DNA origin analysisWickes: Where does the name Wickes come from?
The last name Wickes is the Anglicized form of the Germanic surname 'Wigkest' or 'Wieckest'. This surname can still be found today in England, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. It is quite common in some parts of England, particularly Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Lancashire. In Germany, the name is found mainly in North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony. In Belgium, it is mostly found in the provinces of West Flanders and East Flanders. The Netherlands is split between the provinces of Utrecht, North Holland, Gelderland and Friesland.
The surname Wickes was originally borne by people who worked as a weaver or a foreign trader. The name also appears in relation to other occupations, such as a fisherman or a guard. In Herefordshire, the Wickes were known for their farming profession. In Worcestershire, they were known for their connection to the glove making industry.
The name Wickes is also an old English term for a cottage or small dwelling. In medieval times, these dwellings were often provided to the poor or travelers, and were often located near churches. The association between the last name Wickes and cottages has persisted in some areas in England.
The surname Wickes is not as popular as it used to be centuries ago. It is still mostly found in the countries mentioned above, but it appears to be gradually declining in number.
Variations of the surname Wickes
The surname Wickes is derived from 'Wicca' or 'Wick', which means 'bent wood' or 'living wood'. It is an Anglo-Saxon surname, originating in the region now known as East Anglia in England. The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin as Wickes include Weeks, Wick, Wix, Weekes, Wykes, Wyck, Wyckes, Wykes, Wikes, Wyks and Wicke.
The spelling variations of Wickes, and other surnames of the same origin, are largely attributed to the fact that medieval scribes and church officials often spelled names as they sounded, rather than according to accepted spelling rules. This meant that names were often spelled in several different ways over the course of a single lifetime.
Wickes also saw some changes in spelling after migration to the United States. For example, the American genealogist Charles W. Green suggests in his book "Surnames in America" that the spelling variation "Wix" often became "Weeks" after migration in the 1800s.
Wickes is an ancient name, and still survives in modern times throughout Europe and the United States. The Wickes surname is found in many parts of the English-speaking world today, and is found especially commonly in England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States.
Famous people with the name Wickes
- Julian Wickes: director and animation artist.
- Bob Wickes: actor, known for his role in the crime drama The Informer (1974).
- Peggy Wickes: actress known for her roles in the films So This Is New York (1948) and Joan of Arc (1948).
- Sidney Wickes: actor best known for his role in As You Like It (1936).
- Walter Wickes: actor who traveled the country as a road company performer.
- Harold Wickes: film director and producer, most notably responsible for The Great Gatsby (1949).
- Ronnie Wickes: English cricketer and captain of Kent County Cricket Club in the 1930s.
- Mark Wickes: Australian cricketer who plays for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield.
- Richard Wickes: English portrait painter.
- Howard Wickes: Canadian actor, writer, director and producer.