The name Kirkus is part of the ancient legacy of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is a product of when the family lived in the area that was near the kirkus, which referred to the kirk-house or the parsonage. This place-name was where the guests of weddings or christenings would go to have refreshments. Kirkus is a topographic surname, which was given to a person who resided near a physical feature such as a hill, stream, church, or type of tree.
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Early Origins of the Kirkus family
The surname Kirkus was first found in Yorkshire where they held a family seat from early times.
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Early History of the Kirkus family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kirkus research. Another 88 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1446, 1539, 1552, 1662 and 1791 are included under the topic Early Kirkus History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Kirkus Spelling Variations
The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Kirkus has been spelled many different ways, including Kirkus, Kirkhous, Kirkhouse and others.
Early Notables of the Kirkus family
More information is included under the topic Early Kirkus Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Kirkus family
Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Kirkuss to arrive in North America: Samuel Churchouse who sailed to Virginia in 1663.
Contemporary Notables of the name Kirkus (post 1700)
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Virginia Kirkus (1893-1980), founder of "Kirkus Reviews," an American book review company
England
