Surname Dikes - Meaning and Origin
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Dikes: What does the surname Dikes mean?
The surname Dikes is of English origin and derived from geographical or topographical features in the area where a person resided. Specifically, it comes from the Old English term "dic" which means dyke or ditch. In this context, an individual with the surname Dikes likely lived near or by a notable dyke, ditch, or embankment. Hence, it's a type of locational surname. These surnames were most often given to people upon moving from one place to another. The last name Dikes may also be of Dutch origin from the Dutch word 'dijk' which means a dike or a canal. It is important to note, however, that spellings of surnames changed over time, and the surname might have many variant forms, such as Dyke, Dike, and Dykes. Therefore, the meaning might vary slightly depending on its specific derivation. It can be found throughout the English-speaking world but is most prevalent in England.
Order DNA origin analysisDikes: Where does the name Dikes come from?
The surname Dikes is of English origin, possibly derived from the Old Norse word 'dik' meaning a ditch, dyke or wall. It would have initially been a topographic name for someone who lived near a dike or an occupational name for someone who built dikes.
The full spread and commonality of the surname today would require a detailed survey, but it seems to retain a particular concentration in the United Kingdom, a fact to be expected given its English origin. According to available data, the Dikes surname can still be found in several English-speaking countries including the United States, Canada, and Australia, although it might not be as common as other surnames. In the United States, it appears to be more prevalent in some southern states. With global migrations, it can potentially be found in various parts of the world. However, it should be noted that the frequency and distribution of a surname can change over time due to various factors such as migration and intermarriage.
Variations of the surname Dikes
The surname Dikes has several variations, spellings, and related surnames derived from the same origin. Some of these include Dykes, Dyckes, Deeks, Dyk, Dyker, and Dikeman which are mainly from English origin. A common spelling variant is "Dyke," which is used widely in England.
It's also worth mentioning that some of these variants are more common in different geographical locations. For example, Dikeman is more commonly found in the Netherlands while Dyk is prevalent in Belgium and the Netherlands.
The root of these names could be traced back to the Old English words, 'dic' or 'dyke' which refer to a trench, ditch, or a sea-wall. The name might have been given to individuals living near such geographical features.
In some cases, the surname Dikes could also be derived from the personal name 'Dike' or 'Dyk' meaning 'ditch or trench', which was a popular name in medieval England. The surname variant 'Dycker' could possibly mean 'builder of dykes'.
Certain variants like Dyck, Van Dyck, and Van Dyk have Dutch origins and became famous due to the renowned painter Sir Anthony Van Dyck. However, it's uncertain if these Dutch variants are related to the English surname Dikes.
Famous people with the name Dikes
- Brenda Dikes: An Australian football referee who officiated in several World Cups.
- W. E. "Pete" Snelson: Born W. Elmer Dikes, he was an American politician and broadcaster.
- Jimmy Dikes: An American professional baseball player, manager, and coach.
- Harrison Dikes: A former Australian rules footballer who played for North Melbourne in the Victorian Football League.
- Laticia Dikes: A South African cricketer.
- Melvin Dikes: An American football player and coach in the late 1970s and 1980s.
- Johnny Dikes: An American jazz musician known for his work with the Johnny Dikes Quartet.
- Patricia Dikes: A well-known British author specialized in historical romance novels.
- Jerry Dikes: A former U.S. Olympic runner.
- Edward Dikes: An influential British industrialist from the early 20th century. This list includes people who are more and less known, from a range of disciplines. Some have used the Dikes surname throughout their careers, while others were born with it but have used different names professionally.