Surname Brokes - Meaning and Origin
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Brokes: What does the surname Brokes mean?
The last name Brokes is of English origin and is a patronymic name that derived from the name Brock. The name Brock was found in many parts of Britain, such as, England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland and originates from a pre-7th century Old English personal name, "Broc," which means badger. It is believed that the Brokes surname originated in the East Midlands of England. It is believed the original ancestors of the Brokes family moved north from their original home to seek greener pastures or improved economic opportunity.
The first recorded use of the last name Brokes was found in the 1327-1376 Subsidy Rolls of Yorkshire, England under the spelling of "Brockes". Variations of the name include Brookes, Brooks and Broxtowe. A notable person with the name Brokes is William Brokes, a British Civil Servant born in Warwickshire, England in 1626. Brokes held offices such as a Commissioner of Prizes and Commissioner of Assets.
The Brokes surname is still found throughout the world today and indicates an interesting history and lineage with strong ties to the United Kingdom and its place in the world. It is likely that those with the Brokes last name would have stories of their family’s journey and of the hard work it took to reach the places they are today.
Order DNA origin analysisBrokes: Where does the name Brokes come from?
The last name Brokes is a derivative of the family name Brookes, which is common in the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe today. The surname Brookes is found primarily in the English counties of Gloucestershire, Essex, Wiltshire, and Somerset. It is also found in Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, New Zealand, Germany, Canada, the US, and Australia. The Brookes family name is derived from the Old English broc, meaning a badger, a small predator that has a coat of dark fur.
The origin of the Brookes surname can be traced to the 12th century. During this time the family was landowners and leaders in their local community. Many Brookes appear in the Doomsday book in 1086. The family would have held several manors and the estate provided them with a position of wealth and influence.
The Brookes family is spread all over the world today, particularly in the UK, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, the US, and Australia. It is among the top 250 surnames in England and Wales. It is also popular in countries like South Africa, India, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe.
Variations of the surname Brokes
The surname Brokes is of English origin and has various spelling variants and surnames of the same origin.
The most common spelling of the surname is Brokes, but it can also be spelled Brocks, Broks, Brokkes, Brookes, Brookes and Broughs. It is also sometimes spelled in a more archaic form, such as the Middle English spelling Brokeis or Brokeys.
Other surnames of the same origin include Brook, Brooks, Browk, Brok, Brouk, Brookman, Brooker and Brougham.
The earliest known spelling of the surname is recorded in writings from 1280 as “Brokes”. The surname is likely derived from the Old English word “brog”, which means “a dwelling”. As such, the surname can be interpreted as originating from an individual who lived near or at a particular dwelling.
The surname can also be found in records from the fifteenth century in Yorkshire, England. By the start of the seventeenth century, the name had spread to other parts of the country, including East Anglia and Northamptonshire. Since then, it has branched out to other countries and continents, including the United States and Canada.
Individuals who carry the surname may have descended from a family of the same name who were among the first to settle in their local area. In some cases, the surname may also be a sign of recent immigration from another country, as the surname is common in other parts of the world.
Famous people with the name Brokes
- Euan Brockes: a British TV presenter known for his work on 'This Morning' and 'Big Brother's Bit on the Side'.
- Mark Brockes: an American audio engineer and re-recording mixer who has worked on various music recordings and film soundtracks like The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete (2013) and Youth in Revolt (2009).
- Blaine Brockes: an American jazz pianist, composer, and arranger who is a member of the Berklee Global Jazz Institute.
- Joely Brockes: a Scottish singer-songwriter based in Glasgow.
- Maximilian Brockes: an American fashion designer and the creative director for the designer clothing brand Punk Couture.
- Harold Brockes: a retired American professional football player who played for the Denver Broncos and the Houston Oilers.
- Eric Brokes: an Australian professional soccer player, currently playing for the Brisbane Roar.
- Donald Brokes: a British actor who has appeared in several films, television shows, and theatre productions, including The Producers (2005), The X Files (1998-2000), and The History Boys (2004).
- Peter Brokes: a British former professional football player who played for several teams including Leicester City and Leicester Fosse.
- Elizabeth Brokes: an Australian television personality, best known for being one of the judges on the popular cooking show MasterChef.