Surname Brookes - Meaning and Origin

Discovering Brookes: How an iGENEA DNA Test Unveiled my Ancestry and Influenced my Family Identity

I recently conducted an iGENEA DNA test to uncover my heritage, leading to surprising revelations about my roots and, in turn, dramatically impacting my understanding of my family name Brookes. Discoveries of my Western European, Northern European, and, specifically, Scandinavian ancestry, have led me to view my surname as the symbol of a multitude of cultures, migrations, and historical epochs, thereby influencing my self-perception and sense of identity.

P. Brookes

Brookes: What does the surname Brookes mean?

The last name Brookes is an English surname of Old English and Old Norse origin. The name is derived from the Old English word "broc", or the Old Norse "brok", both meaning "a brook" or "a stream". The "-es" suffix indicates a patronymic name, suggesting "son of" or "descendant of". So, the surname Brookes essentially means "son of Brook". It was initially used as an identifying name for a person residing near a stream. The name Brookes may also be a modified version of the Old English name "Brook", which also refers to someone living near a brook or stream. This surname is widespread in Northern England and the Midlands and is also present in other English-speaking countries due to emigration. It is also considered as a variant of the surname Brooks.

Brookes: Where does the name Brookes come from?

The surname Brookes has Anglo-Saxon origins and is prevalent in England. Derived from the Old English term "broc", it means "at the brook" and was initially given to those residing near a small stream. Its variant spellings include Brooks, Brookes, Brockes, and Broocks.

In the early 13th century, Brookes appear in various documents in counties across England including Norfolk, Yorkshire, and Sussex. The surname made its way to America in the 17th century with the British immigrants and became well-established, especially in the New England region.

Today, the surname Brookes remains common in England, particularly in the West Midlands. It's also widely found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Famous people with the name include English cricket player Richard Brookes and Australian musician Jon Brookes.

Variations of the surname Brookes

There are several variants, spellings and surnames of similar root or origin with the surname Brookes, which is of Anglo-Saxon origins from Old England. It is derived from geographical or topographical features near which people lived, basically from 'broc' meaning brook, stream or bridge. The surname Brookes can have minor variations in its spellings; these include Brooks, Brookes, Broocks, Brockes, Broocks, Brooke, and Brook.

Sometimes, regional dialects and personal preferences led to the addition of an extra 'e', hence Brookes instead of Brooks. Occasionally, an 's' at the end of Brook or Brooke may signify the 'son of Brook' (Brooks) or may simply have been an older plural form.

It also has linked surnames from other cultures or languages, such as the German 'Brück' or 'Brücke' and the Dutch 'Broek', both meaning 'bridge'. These foreign variants underwent anglicization to become Brooks or Brookes.

While less common, there are also instances of the surname's transition to completely different forms such as O’Brook or Brookson, somehow indicating lineage or descent from a 'Brook'.

Gender-based derivations such as Brookesmith, Brookehouse, and Brookman also exist.

Famous people with the name Brookes

• Adam Brookes: A renowned journalist and author known for his work with BBC News.
• Rebekah Brookes: A notable British journalist and newspaper editor, who was the youngest person to edit a British national newspaper.
• Elkie Brookes: An English singer and songwriter known for popular hits in the 1980s.
• Joshua Brookes: An English anatomist who was famed for his work on anatomical dissection.
• Jodie Lee Ann Sweetin-Brookes: Known as Jodie Sweetin, she is an American actress, TV personality, and singer. She is renowned for her role in the sitcom "Full House."
• Zac Brookes: A character in the popular British soap opera "Hollyoaks," played by actor Gerard McCarthy.
• Rebekah Mary Brookes: A character in a British soap opera, "Coronation Street," portrayed by actress Sally Ann Matthews.
• Sydney Brookes: A former English cricketer.
• Martin Brookes: A British economist and the former CEO of New Philanthropy Capital.
• Michael Brookes: An internationally recognized intellectual property lawyer.

Other surnames

BrookBrookeBrookensBrookerBrookhartBrookhoffBrookhuisBrookinBrookingBrookingsBrookinsBrookmanBrooksBrookshawBrooksherBrookshierBrookshire