Show ContentsAkess History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Akess

What does the name Akess mean?

This surname was derived from the Saxon name "Acca" or from Castle, South or West Acre in Norfolk which literally meant "dweller by the plot of arable land," 1 or "newly cultivated land." 2

Alternatively the name "signifies the place of oaks, or oak—man; ac and ake being old terms for oak. Like oak, the first Acker might have been firm and unyielding in his disposition, or he might have used or sold acorns." 3

Today we get the name acre denoting a unit of land equal to 4,840 square yards.

Early Origins of the Akess family

The surname Akess was first found in Castle, South or West Acre in Norfolk, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Acre. 4 We must look to Sussex to find the first record of the family, for it is there that William del Acr was listed in the Curia Regis Rolls for 1214. Later, London records show Adam de Acres in 1346. 1

Early History of the Akess family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Akess research. Another 51 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Akess History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Akess Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Akess have been found, including Acker, Ackers, Ackhurst, Ackerson, Acaster, Ackaster, Akaster, Akester and many more.

Early Notables of the Akess family

More information is included under the topic Early Akess Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Akess family

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 Akess, or a variant listed above: Henry Acker who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1732; Jacob and Michael Acker landed there in 1737; Louis Acker settled in New York State in 1820.



The Akess Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: La liberte
Motto Translation: Liberty.


  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
  3. Arthur, William , An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. London: 1857. Print
  4. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)


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