Kirk Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Kirk come from? What does the surname Kirk mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Kirk and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Church, Kirks, Kirt, Kurk
Surname Kirk Origin: What does the last name Kirk mean?
The surname Kirk is of Scottish and Northern English origin, with roots dating back to the early 14th century in England. Derived from the Old Norse word for church, "kirk" signifies a connection to religious institutions or areas. The Kirk surname was predominantly associated with England during the 14th and 15th centuries, and later saw a significant migration to the United States, where it became more prevalent from the 17th century onwards. Today, Kirk is the 279th most common surname in Great Britain, with notable concentrations in North Yorkshire, Ceredigion, and Falkirk.
Kirk Last Name History: Where did the last name Kirk come from?
Origin of Kirk Surname: Where does the last name Kirk originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the earliest record of the surname Kirk appears in the United Kingdom, specifically in England during the early 14th century. It's important to note that this is based on the exact “Kirk” spelling within the YourRoots database and does not account for other possible sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Kirk: How has the Kirk surname evolved over time?
The Kirk surname was primarily associated with England from the early 14th to the 15th century, as per YourRoots data. However, a significant increase in the frequency of the Kirk surname can be observed in the United States from the early 17th century onwards. This suggests a migration or spread of the Kirk family from England to the United States over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Kirk surname today?
The volume of records for the Kirk surname in the United States grew markedly from the 16th century, eventually surpassing the frequency in the United Kingdom by the 17th century. This trend continued through the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the Kirk surname is most prevalent in the United States, but its presence can also be found in several countries worldwide, reflecting the global spread of the surname over time.
Explore Kirk last name heritage and Kirk surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Kirk Surame?
Tommy Kirk
Thomas Lee Kirk (Dec 10, 1941 - Sep 28, 2021) was an American actor best known for his roles in Disney films like Old Yeller, The Shaggy Dog, and Swiss Family Robinson. Kirk's career with Disney ended due to his homosexuality becoming public, leading to struggles with addiction and depression.
Phyllis Kirk
Phyllis Kirk (born Phyllis Kirkgaard or Kirkegaard; September 18, 1927 – October 19, 2006) was a versatile American actress known for her roles in 1950s films and TV shows. She starred in iconic productions like House of Wax and The Thin Man series, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
Alexander Carnegie Kirk
Alexander Carnegie Kirk (16 Jul 1830 - 5 Oct 1892) was a British engineer known for innovations in shipbuilding, refrigeration, and oil shale industries. He developed breakthrough triple-expansion engines for marine engineering and served as President of The Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders in Scotland.
All images displayed on this page are sourced from Wikipedia or Wikimedia Commons.We use these images under their respective Creative Commons or public domain licenses. Wherever applicable, author attributions and license information are provided. If you believe an image is used incorrectly or outside its license terms, please contact us so that we can review and correct the issue.