Wilkes (surname)

Wilkes is a surname with several possible origins. It is most commonly found in English-speaking countries.

Possible Origins:

• Patronymic Origin: It may be a patronymic surname, derived from a shortened or pet form of the given name William, such as "Wilk." The addition of the suffix "-es" signifies "son of Wilk."

• Topographical Origin: The name may also be derived from a place name. It could refer to someone who lived near a "willow tree" or a place characterized by willow trees. Place names incorporating variations of "willow" or "wick" (Old English for a dwelling or farm) could contribute to the surname's origin.

• Other Possibilities: Less frequently, the name could originate from other Germanic given names with "Wil-" as a prefix, denoting "desire" or "will."

Distribution:

The surname Wilkes is relatively common in England, the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Notable People with the Surname Wilkes:

• John Wilkes (1725-1797): A British radical politician and journalist.

• Maurice Wilkes (1913-2010): A British computer scientist, considered one of the pioneers of computing.

• Lyndon B. Johnson's dog, Yuki. The dog's full name was Yuki-Wilkes Johnson.

Variations:

Common variations of the Wilkes surname include Wilks, Wilkie, and Wilk. These variations reflect regional dialects and spelling conventions over time.