Wilkes Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Wilkes come from? What does the surname Wilkes mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Wilkes and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Wilkes Origin: What does the last name Wilkes mean?
The surname Wilkes has English origins and is a variant of the name William. It first appeared in records from England in the early 16th century. The name Wilkes remained closely associated with England in the 16th century and has since spread globally. By the 20th century, the surname Wilkes had a significant presence in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries, indicating its widespread adoption over the centuries.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Wilkes surname in the United Kingdom since the early 16th century. The name has continued to spread globally, with records showing its prominence in the United States by the 20th century. Today, the Wilkes surname can be found in various countries worldwide, showcasing its enduring legacy and global reach over time.
Wilkes Last Name History: Where did the last name Wilkes come from?
Origin of Wilkes Surname: Where does the last name Wilkes originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Wilkes first appeared in records from England around the early 16th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Wilkes spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Wilkes: What does the Wilkes surname history look like in the early days?
The Wilkes surname remained closely associated with England in the 16th century. YourRoots data also shows Wilkes family records in countries like the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Wilkes surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Wilkes surname grew significantly in the United States. The Wilkes surname remains prominent in the United Kingdom and the United States.
Explore Wilkes last name heritage and Wilkes surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Wilkes Surame?
Rich Wilkes
Richard "Rich" Wilkes (born 1966) is an American filmmaker and musician known for his work in contemporary music and youth culture. He wrote the screenplay for films like "Airheads" and "XXX," and co-wrote the Mötley Crüe biopic "The Dirt." Wilkes also directed "Glory Daze" and was the lead singer of the punk rock mariachi band Carne Asada. His diverse career spans across music, film, and acting, showcasing his creative talents and unique storytelling style.
Annie Wilkes
Annie Wilkes (April 1, 1943 – N/A) is a fictional character from Stephen King's novel Misery, known for her disturbing devotion to romance author Paul Sheldon. Portrayed by Kathy Bates in the 1990 film adaptation, Wilkes has become a symbol of the nurse as a torturer and caregiver. Her twisted actions towards Sheldon have made her one of King's most memorable antagonists, earning critical acclaim and recognition in various adaptations.
Jamaal Wilkes
Jamaal Abdul-Lateef Wilkes (May 2, 1953) is a former American basketball player known as Jamaal Wilkes. He played as a small forward in the NBA, winning four championships with the Warriors and Lakers. Nicknamed "Silk", he was a three-time NBA All-Star and a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee. Wilkes excelled at UCLA under coach John Wooden, winning two NCAA championships. He was NBA Rookie of the Year and helped his teams to multiple titles during his career. Off the court, he played the lead role in the film "Cornbread, Earl and Me".
Jonathan Wilkes
Jonathan Wilkes (August 1, 1978 - ) is an English television presenter and singer known for his work in West End Musicals and as a presenter on "You've Been Framed!" He gained recognition for his pop music single "Just Another Day," which reached the Top 5 in 18 countries. Wilkes is also involved in organizing Soccer Aid alongside his friend Robbie Williams. In 2013, he opened Wilkes Academy, a performing arts college in Swindon. With a passion for stage work and a close friendship with Williams, Wilkes continues to make a mark in the entertainment industry.
Ashley Wilkes
George Ashley Wilkes (1840 – N/A) is a fictional character in Margaret Mitchell's 1936 novel Gone with the Wind and the 1939 film of the same name. He is a complicated character torn between his love for Scarlett O'Hara and his loyalty to his wife Melanie. Wilkes represents the tragedy of the Southern upper class post-Civil War, embodying honor and education in contrast to the practicality of Rhett Butler. Portrayed by Leslie Howard in the film adaptation, Wilkes symbolizes the loss and upheaval experienced by the Southern elite during a tumultuous period in American history.
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.