Surname Bankes - Meaning and Origin

Bankes: What does the surname Bankes mean?

The surname Bankes has its roots in the historical Northern European region. It is an occupational or locational name. The locational reference could be derived from someone living by a ridge or hillside, as "banke" used to mean "ridge" or "hill" in Old English and Old Danish.

The occupational context of Bankes refers to a person who works in a bank. In the medieval period, the term 'bank' was used to denote a bench or counter used by a money changer or lender, thus the name could have been passed onto individuals who undertook such professions.

It's important to note that spelling variations are very common for surnames; during the era when many of these names originated, the writing was phonetic. So, names were recorded as they were heard, meaning they could be spelled differently in different records for the same person. Other versions of this surname include Banke, Banckes, and others.

Like many surnames, the exact origin and meaning of Bankes can vary and may have evolved over time. For an individual interpretation, examining family records and the geographic distribution of the name over time may offer additional insights.

Bankes: Where does the name Bankes come from?

The surname Bankes has roots in the medieval period of British history, tracing back to the Anglo-Saxon tribes. It is a locational surname which originated from a wide range of dwellings or terrains including hills, stream banks and even artificial banks or embankments. The case of surname Bankes is believed to be derived from a geographical feature, i.e., bank, indicating an individual or family living or working near a bank or hillside.

After the Norman conquest in 1066, the use of surnames flourished in England, and surnames like Bankes started to serve as a useful tool for tax collection. The surname Bankes first appeared in texts in the 13th century, with instances of the surname found in Staffordshire and Lancashire in the north of England.

Today, the surname Bankes has spread beyond Europe to places like the United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand through emigration. In the UK itself, it can be particularly found in Midland and Northern England. Although not particularly popular, the surname Bankes is equally distributed globally, reflecting the historical migration patterns of the bearers of the surname.

Variations of the surname Bankes

The surname Bankes has several variants and spellings. Many of these alternatives exist due to regional variations, phonetic spellings, or adaptations by different branches of the family. Some of the derived or similar surnames include Banks, Banke, Banck, Bancks, Bank, Banckes, and Bankes.

"Banks" is the most common variation of this surname. It is of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from the Middle English word "banke" (from the Old Danish "banke"), meaning a ridge or hillside, and was originally given as a topographic name for someone who lived on the slope of a hillside or by a riverbank.

The variation "Banke" might be resulting from the Old Norse personal name Banki or the Old Danish personal name Banke.

The surnames "Banck", "Bancks", "Bank", "Banckes", and "Bankes" could have developed during the Middle Ages, when the devastating influence of the 1066 Norman Conquest caused massive linguistic modifications in England.

Sometimes, these variations could also result from clerical errors at a time when names were recorded based on their phonetic sounds. These surnames could have been altered as an ancestor entered a new region or country and as language evolved or from clerical errors.

Famous people with the name Bankes

• Sir John Bankes: He was a leading English lawyer, politician and the Chief Justice to King Charles I.
• Margaret Bankes: Noted for her valiant defense of Corfe Castle during the English Civil War, in her husband Sir John Bankes's absence.
• John S. Bankes: An American judge and politician who served as a Republican member for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
• Emma Vansittart Banks: A British artist noted for her watercolor paintings and for her marriage to Henry Bankes.
• Maud Bankes: A daughter of Walter Ralph Bankes, she was known for her efforts during World War II, where she served as a nurse.
• William Bankes: A famous explorer and Egyptologist, known for collecting unique and valuable artifacts during his travels.
• George Bankes: An English Conservative politician, brother of explorer William Bankes.
• Lady Mary Bankes: Wife of Sir John Bankes, she is known for her defense of Corfe Castle during the English Civil War.
• Julia Bankes (Dole): An American community leader and activist known for her philanthropic pursuits in the state of New Hampshire.

Other surnames

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