Surname Darkes - Meaning and Origin

Darkes: What does the surname Darkes mean?

The surname Darkes is believed to be of English origin and is likely derived from a topographic name or a nickname. This surname possibly evolved as a derivative of the early medieval English word "derk" or "dark", which indicated someone with dark hair or a dark complexion, or perhaps someone who worked in dark conditions such as a miner or sweeper of chimneys. Following this interpretation, the surname Darkes may then mean "son of the dark one". Alternatively, Darkes could be a topographic name indicating someone who lived near a dark or hidden area, possibly a thick forest or dense undergrowth. It's also important to note that many surnames evolved and changed over centuries, so the original meaning might have been lost over time. Surnames often developed based on a person's occupation, location, or characteristics, so they can offer clues about an ancestor's life.

However, the specific origin and meaning of the surname Darkes can vary, and it might have different origins and meanings in different cultures and languages. Not all people with the surname Darkes will have ancestors who lived in England or had dark hair, for instance.

Darkes: Where does the name Darkes come from?

The Darkes surname can be found today in many countries, most notably in the United Kingdom and Ireland. In the UK, the Darkes family is most common in the midlands and southern counties. In particular, the Darkes surname is heavily concentrated in Staffordshire and Cheshire. In Ireland, the Darkes surname is most prevalent in County Cork, with smaller numbers found in Dublin and Cork City.

The Darkes name is found in many other countries across the world as well including throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and various parts of Europe.

The Darkes surname is believed to have originated in the midlands of England and to have been of Anglo-Saxon origin. It first appears in records in Staffordshire in the late 16th century. Historically, the Darkes name was most often found as a surname connected with farming or other agricultural activities. Today, the Darkes family is distinguished in a diverse range of pursuits and activities.

So, no matter where you are in the world today, you can find a Darkes family somewhere. They may carry the Darkes surname with pride as a reminder of their Anglo-Saxon roots.

Variations of the surname Darkes

The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Darkes are as follows:

Darke, Darc, D'Arke, Dark, Darck, Darke, Darcy, Darken, Darkens, Darker, Darkes, Darkin, Darks, Darky, Darkez, and D'arks.

The surname Darkes is believed to be of English origin, and first appeared in the parish registers of Dorset during the 16th century. The surname could have been derived from the Old English word "deorc," meaning "dark," or "deorcness," meaning "darkness." Additionally, it could also have been derived from the Welsh word "derw," meaning "oak tree," or from a nickname given to dark-haired individuals.

The first documented instance of the surname Darkes dates back to 1576, when one William Darc was recorded in the Monastery of St. Peter and St. Paul in London. Other instances of the surname Darkes in England’s parish records include Edward Darke, who was christened in 1608, and Henry Darkin, who married Elizabeth Bossey in 1721.

By the end of the 18th century, the Darkes surname had spread from England to other countries, including Ireland, Canada, and the United States. A notable bearer of the name was Sir Henry Darkes, who served as Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland from 1690 to 1698. In the United States, the surname Darkes is most common in the states of Texas and California.

The Darkes surname is also found in other forms, including Darcy, Darker, and Darkens. In Scotland, the surname may have been derived from the Gaelic Mac Dharc, which means "son of Darcy." In Ireland, the Darkes surname may be an Anglicized form of the Gaelic O'Darcey. Additionally, the surname Darcy may have been derived from a Norman French place name, D'Arci.

Famous people with the name Darkes

1. Meg Darkes: Actress known for her roles on television and in independent films, such as Cruel Intentions 2. Peter Darkes: Member of the British punk band The Boys 3. Lisa Darkes: Singer, songwriter, record producer, and Golden Globe-nominated actress 4. John Darkes: German digital artist and sculptor 5. David Darkes: Award-winning British film director and producer 6. Stephen Darkes: Author, professor, and Anglican priest 7. Gary Darkes: Eminent British scholar and academic 8. Rebecca Darkes: American director, producer and actor 9. Robert Darkes: Musician, composer and multi-instrumentalist 10. Joanne Darkes: British cricketer

Other surnames

Darke