Surname Hawkens - Meaning and Origin
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Hawkens: What does the surname Hawkens mean?
Hawkens is an English surname that has been in existence for numerous centuries. It is believed to have derived from the medieval personal name "Hawkin", which is a diminutive form of the name "Hawk". The aim of this diminutive name was to signify ‘Little Hawk’. Hawks were traditionally used in hunting and were associated with nobility and strength. Therefore, the surname Hawkens may symbolically mean "little hawk" or "one who resembles a hawk" referring to the characteristics of a hawk, which include, keenness, fierceness, and strength. Over time, the name has changed considerably due to its pronunciation and phonetics, undergoing several variations such as Haukyn, Halkin, etc. However, it's important to note that surname origins can be complex and the meanings can vary based on geographical locations and time periods. It is also common to have multiple unrelated sources for the same surname. Therefore, the surname Hawkens could potentially have other meanings and origins as well.
Order DNA origin analysisHawkens: Where does the name Hawkens come from?
The surname Hawkens is of Anglo-Saxon origin and believed to be derived from an old English personal name, Hawkin, which is a diminutive form of the names Henry or Harry. It is also believed to have originated from the medieval English name Hafoc, meaning 'hawk'. The 's' at the end of Hawkens denotes 'son of', making it translate to 'Son of Hawkin or Hawk'.
The Hawkens name seems to have emerged primarily from areas in England such as Devon, Norfolk, and Lincolnshire. The earliest records can be traced back to the 13th century in these regions.
Currently, the Hawkens surname is spread across the world due to migration and colonisation, especially in English-speaking countries. However, it is not a common surname. In the United States, England, Australia, and Canada, for instance, less than a few hundred people bear this surname. While it's exact prevalence in modern-day United Kingdom is not entirely known, it is considerably rare. Therefore, accurate data about the exact commonality of Hawkens is limited.
Variations of the surname Hawkens
The surname Hawkens originated from the medieval given name "Hawkin", a diminutive of the personal name "Hawk", which was originally derived from the Old English pre 7th Century "Hafoc", meaning "hawk". This was a name given to a fierce, rapacious person, or a keen hunter, or for someone bearing a fancied resemblance to a hawk. Hence, it was both a nickname and occupational surname.
The surname's spelling variants include Hawkins, Hawkin, Hawking, and Hawken among others. The surname had different spellings recorded at different times. In the modern era, Hawkins is the most prevalent spelling of the surname.
The surname also has several derivatives. Some of these include Haukyn, Haukins, Hawken, Hawkin, Halkin, Halken, and Haukings. Each of these variants may be based on the personal preferences of the family using the name, regional accents and diction, and the interpretation of officials and clerks who recorded the name in official documents.
Due to the diverse geographical distribution, it's important to note there may be non-English origins for Hawkens, too. Hence, research may identify similar names in different cultures that have no historical connection to the English Hawkens.
Famous people with the name Hawkens
- Ryan Hawkens: Professional basketball player who was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2020 NBA Draft.
- Brad Hawkens: Singer and songwriter who is known for his soul-infused music.
- Evangeline Hawkens: Actress who has appeared in a variety of TV and film projects, including The Blind Side and Supernatural.
- Jade Hawkens: Professional drag queen and reality TV star, best known for her appearances on RuPaul's Drag Race.
- Ed Hawkens: Retired professional footballer who played for the Los Angeles Aztecs, Las Vegas Quicksilvers and Portland Timbers.
- Taylor Hawkens: Professional soccer player who plays for Seattle Sounders in the MLS.
- Nyle Hawkens: Musician and producer who is widely acclaimed for his innovative approach to mixing funk, hip-hop and electronic music.
- Philip Hawkens: Actor renowned for his roles in an array of Broadway productions.
- Jake Hawkens: Actor who has built a successful career from playing a variety of unlikely characters in Hollywood films.
- Hanna Hawkens: Award-winning British comedian, singer and actress who has appeared in several television series and movies.