Wilks Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Wilks come from? What does the surname Wilks mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Wilks and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Wilks Origin: What does the last name Wilks mean?
The surname Wilks has English origins and first appeared in records in the early 17th century. Derived from YourRoots data, the Wilks surname remained closely associated with England from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Over time, Wilks family records have been found in countries like the United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, indicating a global spread of the surname.
YourRoots data confirms the global presence of the Wilks surname by the 20th century, with significant records in the United States, Australia, England, Canada, and New Zealand. The surname Wilks is still prominent in these regions and can also be found in countries such as South Africa, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, showcasing its widespread distribution and enduring legacy.
Wilks Last Name History: Where did the last name Wilks come from?
Origin of Wilks Surname: Where does the last name Wilks originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Wilks first appeared in records from England around the early 17th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Wilks spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Wilks: What does the Wilks surname history look like in the early days?
The Wilks surname remained closely associated with England from the 17th to the 19th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Wilks family records in countries like the United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Wilks surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Wilks surname grew significantly in the United States, Australia, England, Canada, and New Zealand. The Wilks surname remains prominent in these regions. It appears in many countries, including South Africa, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales.
Explore Wilks last name heritage and Wilks surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Wilks Surame?
Dan and Farris Wilks
Daniel Howard "Dan" Wilks (born 1955 or 1956) and Farris Cullen Wilks (born 1951 or 1952) are American billionaire businessmen in the petroleum industry known as the Wilks Brothers.
Sons of a bricklayer, the brothers founded Wilks Masonry in 1995 and later established Frac Tech, a hydraulic fracturing company, in 2002. They sold their 70% interest in Frac Tech for $3.5 billion in 2011. The Wilks Brothers are also known for their conservative investments and funding of causes like The Daily Wire and PragerU.
Steve Wilks
Steven Bernard Wilks (born Aug 8, 1969) is an American football coach known for his successful career in the NFL. He has held various coaching positions with teams like the Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, Arizona Cardinals, and more. Wilks has coached in Super Bowls and has been recognized for his contributions to the sport. With a passion for defense and a commitment to excellence, Wilks continues to make an impact in the football world.
James Wilks
James Brett Wilks (born 5 Apr 1978) is an English former professional mixed martial artist. He competed for the UFC, King of the Cage, and won Spike TV's The Ultimate Fighter: United States vs. United Kingdom. Wilks is known for his black belt in taekwondo and brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. After retiring in 2012 due to injuries, he advocates for plant-based eating and starred in the documentary "The Game Changers" promoting a plant-based diet for high-performance sports.
Maurice Wilks
Maurice Fernand Cary Wilks (Aug 19, 1904 – Sep 8, 1963) was an English automotive and aeronautical engineer, known for founding the Land Rover marque and developing the first Land Rover off-road utility vehicle. Born in Hampshire, England, Wilks led Rover's team in developing gas turbine engines during WWII, later unveiling the first gas turbine-powered car in 1949. He was a key figure in establishing the Motor Industry Research Association's proving ground facilities. Wilks served as chairman of the Rover Company until his death, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and engineering excellence.
Henry Wilks
Henry Wilks (June 23, 1920 – August 6, 1991) was a fictional character from the British television soap opera Emmerdale, known for running the Woolpack public house alongside Amos Brearly for nearly 20 years. Played by Arthur Pentelow, Henry was introduced as an industrialist from the outside world who became a shareholder at Emmerdale Farm. He was characterized as blunt yet kind-hearted, with a keen interest in preserving the natural surroundings of the Yorkshire Dales. Henry's on-screen partnership with Amos was a central aspect of the show, with the two squabbling amicably but ultimately remaining close friends. Pentelow's sudden death in 1991 led to Henry's departure from the series.
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