Origin & Meaning of the Wilkes Surname
What does the last name Wilkes mean?
The surname Wilkes carries the meaning "Son of Wilkes." 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 18,314 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Wilkes ranks as the #1,975 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Wilkes come from?
The Wilkes 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 Wilkes name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Wilkes 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 | Wilkes |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Wilkes |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,975 |
| US Count (2010) | 18,314 |
| Per 100K People | 6.21 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Wilkes
According to the US Census, the Wilkes surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 18,314 Americans with the Wilkes last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 69.32% |
| Black | 25.46% |
| Hispanic | 2.23% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.36% |
| Native American | 0.58% |
| Two or More Races | 2.04% |
Popularity of Wilkes Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Wilkes surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Wilkes surname increased by 517 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Spanish/Portuguese Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Wilkes
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