Origin & Meaning of the Sykes Surname
What does the last name Sykes mean?
The surname Sykes carries the meaning "Son of Sykes." It is derived from the Spanish language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 27,546 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Sykes ranks as the #1,276 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Sykes come from?
The Sykes surname has its roots in Spanish/Portuguese heritage. Names of Spanish/Portuguese origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Sykes name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Sykes trace back to Spanish. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Sykes |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Sykes |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,276 |
| US Count (2010) | 27,546 |
| Per 100K People | 9.34 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Sykes
According to the US Census, the Sykes surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 27,546 Americans with the Sykes last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 54.03% |
| Black | 40.82% |
| Hispanic | 1.99% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.4% |
| Native American | 0.33% |
| Two or More Races | 2.44% |
Popularity of Sykes Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Sykes surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Sykes surname increased by 1,121 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Spanish/Portuguese Surnames
Explore more surnames with Spanish/Portuguese roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Spanish/Portuguese origin as Sykes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sykes
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