Surname Mikes - Meaning and Origin
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Mikes: What does the surname Mikes mean?
The last name Mikes is a relatively common Germanic surname that has a varied and complex history. It is thought to have originated in the south of Germany primarily in Bavaria during the Middle Ages. It was then spread to other parts of Germany and throughout Europe by migration.
The surname Mikes has its roots in two German words. The first word is ‘Mich’ which is derived from the biblical name Michael, which suggests that the original bearer may have been named Michael or had some connection to the name. The second word is ‘Scaf’ which has a variety of meanings which could refer to shields, swamps, or even shepherds. It is believed that the name Mikes originated as a patronymic; combining the words ‘Mich’ and ‘Scaf’ to create ‘Mikes’.
Despite its popularity as a surname, the precise origin and meaning of the name Mikes is uncertain and remains elusive. The surname however is thought to be linked with a spiritual concept due to its association with Michael, a biblical figure who is the leader of the angels in Christianity. Consequently, it is linked with ideas of honor, leadership and protection.
Although the exact meaning of the surname Mikes is up for debate, it is nonetheless a well-established and recognizable name, particularly in Central and Northern Europe. With a history spanning over many centuries, this surname continues to be associated with family pride and allegiance.
Order DNA origin analysisMikes: Where does the name Mikes come from?
The last name Mikes is most common in Slovakia, Croatia, and Hungary. In Slovakia, 6,056 people have the surname Mikes, making it the 37th most common surname. It is particularly concentrated in the eastern part of Slovakia in the regions of Prešov and Košice. In today’s Croatia, Mikes is the 56th most common surname. It is primarily found in larger cities in the nation’s Central and North Dalmatian regions. In Hungary, 1,418 people have the name Mikes, making it the nation’s 147th most popular surname. It is found mostly in Budapest and other parts of Central Hungary.
Outside of Europe, the surname Mikes can be found in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It is most common in the United States, where 8,567 people have the name Mikes. It is especially prominent in the state of Pennsylvania, where 857 people have the surname Mikes. In Canada, 690 people have the name Mikes, primarily in the province of Ontario. In Australia, 200 people have the name Mikes, while in New Zealand, 90 people have the name Mikes.
Variations of the surname Mikes
The surname Mikes is derived from the Greek surname Mikis (Μίκης), meaning “like the Lord”. It is also found as a variant in Romania, where it is derived from the Romanian word mik (“big”).
Variants of the surname Mikes include Mikis, Miki, Micky, Micki, Mikh, Micke, and Mickes.
In Croatian, the surname is spelled Mikić or Mikič and in Czech, it is Míka. In Slovakian, Míka is also a common variation.
In Germany, Mikes takes on the spelling Meikes.
In Hungary, the surname Mikes is often spelled Mike, Merek, or Megyes.
In Poland, the surname is spelled Mík or Míki. In Yugoslavia, it is Miksić.
In Ukraine, the surname Mikes takes the spelling Mýk. In Bulgaria, it is transliterated as Myikov.
In the United States, many immigrants have anglicized their names and Mikes can now be found spelled as Mike, Mikes, Meikle, Mykle, or Meikes.
In the Netherlands, the surname takes the form Mijks or Mieks. In France, it is Mikesse or Mikes.
In Spain, the surname has the spellings Mikes, Micas, and Mielke.
Finally, surnames derived from Mikes include Myke, Mikesch, Mikesz, Mieke, and Mickes.
Famous people with the name Mikes
- Peter Mikeš, Czech ret. handball player
- Brooke Mikelle, executive producer, composer, and actor
- Lupita Mikes, Mexican actress
- Ivan Mikes, Czech ret. footballer
- Andras Mikes, Hungarian journalist
- Zsolt Mikes, Hungarian poet
- Steven Mikes, American basketball coach
- Michael Mikes, Canadian actor
- Edward Mikes, Czechoslovakian philosopher
- Zoltan Mikes, Hungarian ret. footballer
- Alex Mikes, Australian actor
- Zsuzsanna Mikes, Hungarian cross country skier
- Pawel Mikes, Polish ret. footballer
- Ivana Mikes, Czech ret. skater
- Dora Mikes, Hungarian ret. hammer thrower
- Juraj Mikes, Slovak ret. footballer
- Tamás Mikes, Hungarian ret. wrestler
- Robert Mikes, Czech ret. footballer
- Miško Mikes, Slovenian ret. footballer
- Jozsef Mikes, Hungarian ret. footballer