Sykkes History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The name Sykkes is part of the ancient legacy of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is a product of when the family lived in the county of Cumberland. Sykkes 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. During the Middle Ages, as society became more complex, individuals needed a way to be distinguishable from others. Toponymic surnames were developed as a result of this need. Various features in the area or landscape were used to distinguish people from one another. In this case the original bearers of the surname Sykkes were named due to their close proximity to a marshy stream or damp gully. The surname was originally derived from Sikes-Dyke near Carlisle in Cumberland.

Early Origins of the Sykkes family

The surname Sykkes was first found in Cumberland at Sikes-Dyke. Another branch of the family was found in the parish of Sledmere in the East Riding of Yorkshire.

"Sledmere House, a spacious mansion of stone, the seat of Sir Tatton Sykes, Bart., is seated near the foot of an acclivity, in a beautiful and finely-wooded park, south of the village; it was built by Sir Christopher, the second Baronet, from his own designs, and was improved and enriched by his son, the late Sir Mark Masterman Sykes, brother of the present Baronet. Sledmere Castle, on the east side of the park, is a modern edifice. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of Sir Tatton. The church, which stands within the park, is a neat fabric, consisting of a nave, chancel, and square tower, and containing some handsome monuments to the Sykes family." 1

Again in the East Riding of Yorkshire, we found another record of the family at Wintringham. "The farm of Linton, the property of Sir Tatton Sykes, was the site of a monastic cell subordinate to the abbey of Scarborough." 1

Early History of the Sykkes family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Sykkes research. Another 110 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1684, 1713, 1714 and 1756 are included under the topic Early Sykkes History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Sykkes 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. Sykkes has been spelled many different ways, including Sikes, Sykes, Sykkes, Sikkes, Syks, Siks, Sike and many more.

Early Notables of the Sykkes family

Notables of this surname at this time include: Arthur Ashley Sykes (1684-1756), an English latitudinarian divine, born in London, son of Arthur Sykes of Ardeley, near Stevenage, Hertfordshire. " On 7 Feb...
Another 32 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Sykkes Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Sykkes 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 Sykkess to arrive in North America: John Sikes settled in New England in 1654; another John Sykes settled in Virginia in 1642; Thomas Sykes settled in Barbados in 1672.

The Sykkes 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: Sapiens qui assiduus
Motto Translation: He is wise who is industrious.

Citations +

Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.