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Last Name Fooks

What is the origin of the last name Fooks?

The last name "Fooks" is of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English personal name "Fulc," which was a diminutive form of "Fulcher." The name "Fulcher" itself is of Norman French origin, derived from the Old French word "fouc," meaning "falcon." The surname "Fooks" was likely given to someone who was a falconer or who had a connection to falcons in some way.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Fooks

The meaning and origin of the last name Fooks

The surname Fooks is of English origin and is derived from the Old English personal name "Fulcus", which itself comes from the Latin word "Fulvius" meaning "reddish-yellow". The surname Fooks is classified as a patronymic surname, meaning it was originally derived from the personal name of an ancestor. Over time, this surname evolved to Fooks and has been found in various forms such as Foulkes, Fowkes, and Fokes. It is believed that the surname Fooks may have been brought to England by the Normans during the Norman Conquest of 1066.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fooks

The surname Fooks is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in the counties of Dorset and Hampshire. It is also present in smaller numbers in the United States, specifically in states such as Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. Additionally, there are some individuals with the surname Fooks in Australia and New Zealand. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Fooks indicates that it is primarily concentrated in English-speaking countries, with a stronger presence in certain regions within the United Kingdom.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fooks

The last name Fooks can be spelled in various ways, such as "Foukes," "Fukes," "Fouks," "Fouk," and "Fux." These variations may have originated from different regions or time periods, leading to a diverse range of spellings for the same surname. Despite the differences in spelling, these variations all likely stem from the same root name, Fooks. This common surname may have been subject to changes in spelling due to factors like phonetic pronunciation, regional dialects, or clerical errors in record-keeping. However, regardless of the specific spelling, individuals with any of these variations of the last name Fooks likely share a common ancestry and heritage.

Famous people with the last name Fooks

Some of the most famous individuals with the last name Fooks include: 1. William Fooks, an English cricketer who played for Hampshire County Cricket Club. 2. George Fooks, a British artist known for his landscape paintings. 3. Mary Fooks, a fictional character in the novel "The Rainbow" by D. H. Lawrence. 4. Julia Fooks, an Australian sociologist known for her research on gender and sexuality. 5. Benjamin Fooks, a British politician who served as a Member of Parliament in the late 19th century.

Genealogical research on the last name Fooks

The surname Fooks is of English origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Fulca", which means "falcon". The name Fooks is believed to have originated in the county of Devon in southwestern England. Early records show the surname Fooks appearing in parish registers dating back to the 16th century, specifically in the town of Barnstaple. The Fooks family can also be traced to Somerset and Dorset counties in England. Immigration records indicate that individuals with the surname Fooks settled in the United States, particularly in the states of Maryland and Virginia, in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, individuals with the last name Fooks can be found in various parts of the world, particularly in English-speaking countries.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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