Last Name Calkins

The origin of the last name "Calkins" is English. It is an occupational surname that originally referred to someone who worked as a "calkin maker" or a "caulker." A calkin or caulkin is a metal protrusion on the bottom of a horseshoe or the spike on the bottom of a logging boot to provide traction. The name was likely given to people who made or worked with these calkins. Over time, the surname "Calkins" became a hereditary family name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Calkins

The meaning and origin of the last name Calkins

The surname Calkins is of English origin and has two possible meanings. Firstly, it can be a variant of the Middle English personal name Calkin, which was derived from the Old Norse name Kálkr or Kalr, meaning "bald." This name likely originated as a nickname for someone who was bald or had closely cropped hair. Secondly, Calkins can also be a variant of the Middle English word "calk," meaning "to move swiftly." This suggests that the name might have been given to individuals who possessed a quick or agile nature. The surname Calkins can be found throughout the English-speaking world, with notable concentrations in the United States, particularly in New York and Vermont. Over time, variations of the name, such as Calkin, Calkine, and Calkyns, have emerged, further contributing to its diverse presence among different lineages.

Geographical distribution of the last name Calkins

The last name Calkins shows a relatively widespread geographical distribution, predominantly within the United States. This surname can be found across various states, with notable concentrations in New York, Michigan, California, Illinois, and Ohio. In New York, the Calkins surname has a particularly strong presence, with significant numbers residing in cities such as Buffalo, Rochester, and Albany. Michigan is another state that has a sizable population of individuals with the last name Calkins, primarily in counties such as Genesee, Kalamazoo, and Wayne. Additionally, California, Illinois, and Ohio each have their own clusters of Calkins descendants living in various cities and counties throughout the states. While these regions exhibit the highest occurrences of the surname, it is worth noting that Calkins individuals can also be found in smaller numbers in other areas across the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Calkins

The last name Calkins has a few variations and spellings, although the variations are not widely divergent. Some individuals with this surname spell it as "Calkin" without the "s" at the end. This variant typically denotes a singular individual or a specific branch of the Calkins family. Another spelling variation is "Caulkins," which is still quite similar to the original name. Although less common, this spelling alternative has been used by some families with the surname Calkins. Additionally, a slightly more distinct variation is "Caulkens," which places more emphasis on the "u" sound. This variant, while less frequent, can also be encountered in some instances. However, it is important to note that the primary spelling, "Calkins," remains the most widely recognized and used form of the surname.

Famous people with the last name Calkins

Two famous people with the last name Calkins are Mary Whiton Calkins and Howard Calkins. Mary Whiton Calkins (1863-1930) was an influential American psychologist and philosopher who made significant contributions to the field of psychology. She became the first female president of the American Psychological Association and also the first woman to establish a psychology laboratory at Wellesley College. Calkins conducted groundbreaking research in the areas of memory, self-psychology, and dream analysis. Another notable figure with the last name Calkins is Howard Calkins, an accomplished photographer known for his captivating black and white images. With a keen eye for composition, Calkins has captured stunning landscapes and intimate portraits that have garnered him recognition in the world of fine art photography. His work often fuses elements of nature, light, and human emotion, resulting in captivating and thought-provoking imagery.

Genealogical research on the last name Calkins

The surname Calkins is an English and Scottish surname of ancient origins. It is believed to have originated from the medieval given name "Cawel," a nickname for someone with overly large or high eyebrows. The name later evolved into various forms such as Caulkins and Calkyns before settling on Calkins.

Genealogical research on the Calkins name reveals numerous branches and family lines spread across different regions. Some Calkins families can be traced back to early colonial America, with notable descendants including Hugh Calkins, who settled in Connecticut in the mid-1600s. Over the centuries, the Calkins name has extended throughout the United States, with concentrations in states like New York, Ohio, and Illinois.

Several prominent individuals have carried the surname Calkins, contributing to diverse fields such as academia, art, and politics. Notable figures include Frank A. Calkins, an American journalist and newspaper editor, and Charles A. Calkins, a Michigan state legislator. Genealogical research on the Calkins name continues to uncover new connections and add to the narrative of this ancient and multifaceted surname.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Calkins"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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