Wilkes History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  England 


Wilkes is an ancient Anglo-Saxon name that is derived from a medieval given name, a short form of William. 1

Wilkes is a patronymic surname, which belongs to the category of hereditary surnames. Many patronyms were formed when a son used his father's personal name as a surname, while others came from the personal names of famous religious and secular figures. In this case, the surname was originally derived from the popular medieval surname William, which became even more popular after the Norman Conquest of England, in 1066, led by William the Conqueror.

Early Origins of the Wilkes family

The surname Wilkes was first found in Lancashire where as a forename Wylke de Chyrchele was recorded in the Assize Rolls for 1246. Later the mononym, Wilke was recorded in the Assize Rolls for Cheshire in 1286. The Hundredorum Rolls for Bedfordshire included an entry for Roger Wylk in 1279 and later, John Wilkys was registered in the Subsidy Rolls for Worcestershire in 1327. 2

Early History of the Wilkes family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Wilkes research. Another 73 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1529, 1535, 1545, 1548, 1551, 1553, 1556, 1564, 1570, 1580, 1598, 1600, 1641, 1665, 1666, 1690, 1691, 1732, 1740 and 1760 are included under the topic Early Wilkes History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Wilkes Spelling Variations

Wilkes has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Wilkes have been found, including Wilkes, Wilke, Wilks and others.

Early Notables of the Wilkes family

Notables of this surname at this time include:

Wilkes Ranking

In the United States, the name Wilkes is the 1,687th most popular surname with an estimated 17,409 people with that name. 4 However, in the United Kingdom, the name Wilkes is ranked the 662nd most popular surname with an estimated 9,924 people with that name. 5


Wilkes migration to the United States +

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Wilkess to arrive on North American shores:

Wilkes Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Wilkes Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Wilkes Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Wilkes migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Wilkes Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Wilkes migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Wilkes Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Wilkes (post 1700) +


Suggested Readings for the name Wilkes +
Fastest Delivery Possible

Digital Products on Checkout, all other products filled in 1 business day

Money Back Guarantee

Yes, all products 100% Guraranteed

BBB A+ Rating

The Best Rating possible

Secure Online Payment

Entire site uses SSL / Secure Certificate