Surname Skues - Meaning and Origin
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Skues: What does the surname Skues mean?
The last name Skues is an English surname derived from the Old Norse word skúðr, which means “shield”. Historically, the Skues surname originates from a profession as a shield maker or shield bearer. A shield bearer was an officer in the armies of Old Norse warriors, and was responsible for both the making, maintenance, and carrying of the shield. The shield was seen as a sign of authority and protection in battle.
The Skues surname likely originated in the northern English counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire, and was likely taken on by soldiers or warriors during medieval battles. As battles became more complex and varied in tactics, the Skues surname began to indicate any person who specialized in the use of a shield. As a result, the Skues surname became less associated with a professionally trained shield bearer and more associated with a skilled warrior or soldier.
Today, the Skues surname continues to be associated with courage and bravery, as well as an indication of a person’s ability to protect and defend others. It is often linked to a sense of loyalty and strong moral character. Those with the Skues surname are thought to be confident and reliable individuals who are willing to stand up for what is right, even in difficult circumstances.
Order DNA origin analysisSkues: Where does the name Skues come from?
The surname Skues is believed to originate from England, where it is most commonly found today. The exact origin story is not known, but it is believed to possibly derive from a nickname for someone that exhibited qualities of meekness or humility. Alternatively, it could be derived from an occupational name, such as a shoemaker.
Today, the last name Skues can be commonly found throughout England, particularly in the counties of Essex and Suffolk. The surname can also be found in many other countries around the world, including the United States and Canada. It is most likely that the name has spread throughout the world due to both immigration and migration.
In the United States, the last name Skues is found mainly in the Midwest and New England states. It is much less common to find it in the Southern states.
As an interesting note of trivia, the surname Skues is even the name for a small village in Kent, England. This village began as a Viking settlement and dates back to the 900s.
Regardless of its origins, the last name Skues is a common one today that is found throughout many countries around the world.
Variations of the surname Skues
Skues is a surname of primarily Anglo-Saxon origin, with variations in spelling and related surnames. Some of the common variations are Skews, Skewes, Skewace, Skuse and Skuse.
In the original Anglo-Saxon spelling, it would have been Scūs or Skūs. Over time the orthography has changed, with more modern variations including Skews, Skewes, Skewace, and Skuse.
The name Skues is thought to have been derived from the Old English word “skeow” which means “shelter” or “refuge”. This likely refers to somebody who had sheltered or provided a place of refuge.
Other surnames which are thought to have been derived from the same root are Skeen, Skey, Skerry, Skeates, Skevington and Skipp.
The name may also originate from the Old Norse words “skegg” or “skjóta” which mean “beard” and “to shoot” respectively. In this case it would refer to somebody with a long beard or a skilled bowman.
There are a variety of modern spelling variations of the surname Skues, which are thought to come from the various sources of its origin. These spellings range from Skews and Skewes to Skewace, Skuse, and Skus, and all of them represent the same Anglo-Saxon, Old Norse, or Old English origin.
Famous people with the name Skues
- Alan Skues: British radio and television presenter best known for his work on BBC Radio 2
- Rachel Skues: British contemporary artist and sculptor
- Mark Skues: English bassist and guitarist, member of the 1980s band Modern Eon
- Phillip Skues: British actor, appeared in the films "Fury of the Dragons" and "Mr. Bean's Holiday"
- Adrian Skues: British film director, writer and producer, known for his work on the 2008 movie "4: Rise of the Silver Surfer"
- Len Skues: British television presenter and comedian
- Matthew Skues: British ballet dancer and choreographer, member of the Royal Ballet
- James Skues: British comedian, host of the satirical comedy show "The Late Edition"
- Bruce Skues: British-Australian actor, appeared in the films "Finding Nemo" and "The Three Musketeers"
- Thandie Skues: British model and beauty queen, winner of Miss Universe UK 2006.