First found in Oxfordshire, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

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More about the Boakes History...

Please remember that this page is only a small extract of our complete history that includes:

• Ancient origin of the name (usually pre-1100)
• Known spelling variations
• Early movement of the family name during the Middle Ages
• Noteworthy bearers from the 1500-1600s
• First settlers to North America
• Notable contemporary bearers of the name
• A description and/or full color picture of the Coat of Arms, Crest, and Motto (where available)

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America bore the name Boakes, or a variant listed above: John Balch, who arrived in Salem Massachusettes in 1620; Benjamin Balch, who sailed to Massachusettes in 1624 and John Balch, who arrived in Texas in 1836..

For more information on the last name Boakes, the PDF Surname History is available for purchase as well as other products.