Surname Veake - Meaning and Origin

Veake: What does the surname Veake mean?

The surname Veake is rare and its origins are not clearly documented, therefore, a specific meaning is difficult to determine. Like many surnames, it may be derived from an occupation, geographical location, a personal characteristic, or a name of an ancestor. It's possible that it is a variation or misspelling of another surname, such as Veale (which is of English origin and possibly linked to the profession of a calf handler) or Wake. It is primarily found in the English-speaking countries but can also have roots from other regions. Only a comprehensive genealogical research can provide a certain interpretation. Thus, the meaning of Veake is largely speculative. It's recommended to those interested in the true meaning of their surname Veake to trace their family history.

Veake: Where does the name Veake come from?

The last name Veake is believed to be derived from a variation of the pre 10th century Old English word “wale” meaning wounded or victim, with the suffix “ek” denoting a person from the same origin. This would suggest that the original bearer of the name was a “victim” of some kind.

Today, the last name Veake is common throughout the United Kingdom and in parts of northern Europe. The highest concentration of the name is found in the East Midlands region of England, particularly in Derbyshire, followed by Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, and Leicestershire. Other areas where the name is found include Ireland, mainly in counties Wexford and Galway, Wales, particularly in Glamorgan and Carnarvonshire, and Scotland. Examples of communities where the name is popular are Herefordshire, Shropshire, and Cheshire.

The last name Veake is relatively rare on a global scale, with less than 2,000 people worldwide bearing the name. It is one of the least common surnames in the United Kingdom, while being relatively more common in parts of Europe.

Variations of the surname Veake

Veake is a surname primarily of English origin, with some German influences. It is derived from the Old English words “weoh” meaning weaver or fabricator, and “keie” meaning enclosure.

The most commonly-occurring variant spellings of Veake are Veek and Veeke, however alternative spellings like Vyke, Vyeke and Vyke also exist.

German forms of the surname include Veke and Veeken. These are derived from the Old German pre-7th century word “vega” which like the old English word “weoh”, means “weaver”.

Variations of the Veake surname can even be found outside of the English and German languages. For example its French form is “de Vèque”, its Dutch variation is “de Veeke” and in Hungary the surname appears as “Vöke”.

From the Old English and Old German forms of the Veake surname, a range of derivative surnames have developed over time. In England, these include variants such as Veyke, Vike and Vykes, as well as derivatives such as Yewdek and Yudek. In Germany, the variants of the name often include Veeken, Veiken and Veilken.

The range of spellings and surnames related to Veake demonstrate the origins of the name, showing its importance in both English and German culture.

Famous people with the name Veake

• Robert Veake: Who is a Broadway composer, lyricist and stage director.
• Jonathan Veake: Who is a British photographer based in Liverpool, specialising in architecture and landscapes.
• Addrienne Veake: Who is an associate professor of Pediatrics at the University of Florida.
• Roger Veake: Who is a World War II veteran and chaplain at the Somerset County Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Pennsylvania.
• Tony Veake: Who is an American attorney at the law firm of VeakeLaw.
• William Veake: Who is an automotive engineering graduate and works in Grantham, UK in the area of engineering IIoT solutions.
• Michael Veake: Who is a former professional football player for the Detroit Lions, as well as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
• Paul Veake: Who is a Senior Materials Engineer at Sulzer Ltd., a Swiss engineering company and manufacturer.
• Richard Veake: Who is a retired professor of biology at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and is an avid naturalist and gardener.
• Barbara Veake: Who is a well-known philanthropist, and the first female director and president of the American Civil Liberties Union.

Other surnames

Veak