Surname Skeens - Meaning and Origin

Skeens: What does the surname Skeens mean?

The surname Skeens is of Scottish origin and is an Anglicized form of the Old Norse personal name 'Skeggi', which means ‘beard’. This name was most likely given as a nickname to men who had prominent beards. It started being used as a surname in ancient medieval Scotland among the Boernician tribe. Over the centuries, various spellings of the name, such as Skeen, Skeene, Skene, and Skein, have been recorded. Today, there are numerous people with the Skeens surname residing in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and other parts of the world. The meaning of a surname can often give insights into a person's ancestry, helping them to trace back their family history and understand more about their heritage. In this case, someone named Skeens may be able to trace their lineage back to Scottish roots.

Skeens: Where does the name Skeens come from?

Today, the last name Skeens is commonly found in the United States, particularly in states such as West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee. In the early 1800s, many members of the Skeens family migrated from England to the United States. While the exact origin of the name is unknown, some suggest it has Germanic roots and means "Son of Ski."

Within West Virginia, many of the Skeens name reside in coal mining towns such as Madison and Boone counties. In Kentucky, many of the Skeens live in the communities surrounding the cities of Stanton and Hazard. In Virginia, Skeens can be found in the western part of the state, mainly in the counties of Buchanan and Smyth. And, in Tennessee, many members of the Skeens family settled in the townships of Maynardville and Harriman, founded by James Harriman Skeen nearly two centuries ago.

Today, members of the Skeens family can be found scattered across the United States in small, rural communities. While they may have followed in their ancestors' footsteps and scattered across the country, the Skeens remain close – linked by common ancestry, shared stories and traditions, and love of family.

Variations of the surname Skeens

The surname Skeens is generally of English origin. It first found in Oxfordshire where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Variants of the name Skeens include Skene, Skain and Skains. The personal name “Skene” is a diminutive of the Gaelic name Skeen, which in turn is derived from the word “sceon,” meaning “protector.” It could also be an anglicization of the Irish surname Mac Skeine, meaning “son of Skein.”

Early references to the surname Skeens in England are found in the registers of the Reformation period of 1538 to 1699. Notable variations of the surname include: John Skeen in Oxford, 1574; Robert Skeene, water bailiff of Shipton, 1595; and Richard Skeins, of St. Ebbes, Oxford, 1653.

Variations of the name can also be found in Scotland, where the variants include “Skene” and “Skein.” Variants of the name found in Scotland include Johannes Skene de Boghall, Aberdeenshire, 1597; Alexander Skene, Aberdeenshire, 1653; and John Skeine, who held the post of “collector of customs” in Aberdeen in 1681.

In America, the surname Skeens is found mainly in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. Variants of the name include, Skene, Skain, Skains, Skeen, Skein, Skenet and Skenett. Pennsylvania records include Susanna Skeen, April 22, 1720; John Skenett, October 7, 1768; and Joseph Skain, February 5, 1772. Maryland records include John Skeen and Skene, August 1720; and John Skain, November 1783. Virginia records show John Skeen, January 1765; and John Skein, August 1772.

Today, Skeens is a rare surname; many other variants and spellings are now more common.

Famous people with the name Skeens

• Brian Skeens, former president of the National Association of Elementary School Principals
• Nikki Skeens, contestants of The Great British Bake Off
• Richard Skeens, Olympic figure skater
• Benjamin Skeens, former director of the International Geological Congress
• Kaelin Skeens, professional surfer
• Derek Skeens, English cricketer
• Chelsea Skeens, professional dancer
• Tarin Skeens, fashion model
• Ashley Skeens, National Basketball Association player
• Willard Skeens, actor on the "Hawaii 5-0" television series
• Steven Skeens, Olympic weightlifter
• Catherine Skeens, women's basketball coach
• Brooke Skeens, Grammy-winning music producer
• Jonathon Skeens, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame musician
• Margo Skeens, American folk singer and songwriter
• Jack Skeens, Academy Award-winning screenwriter and director
• Joe Skeens, professional golfer
• Paul Skeens, automobile designer
• Dorothy Skeens, professional chef
• Regina Skeens, Broadway star

Other surnames

Skeen