Surname Fawkes - Meaning and Origin
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Fawkes: What does the surname Fawkes mean?
The surname Fawkes has its roots in Old English and is derived from the word "fauk", which means "falcon". It was traditionally given to a falconer or to someone who was thought to resemble the bird in terms of physical characteristics or qualities, such as speed and fierceness. Over time, the name changed its spelling to its present form, Fawkes. This surname gained particular significance in British history due to the infamous character, Guy Fawkes, known for his role in the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. As a result, the name Fawkes often brings to mind a sense of rebellion or notoriety. In the modern era, the name's popularity has been further boosted by its use in the "Harry Potter" series, where Fawkes is the pet phoenix of headmaster Albus Dumbledore.
Order DNA origin analysisFawkes: Where does the name Fawkes come from?
The last name Fawkes is of English origin and can be traced back to Middle Ages in Yorkshire, England. The surname is derived from the pre-7th century Olde English word 'foc', meaning 'bird' or 'bright'. It became particularly popular due to its association with Guy Fawkes, a member of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, who intended to blow up the Houses of Parliament in England.
Today, the surname is most common in England but can also be found in other countries due to emigration, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Its prevalence isn't particularly high in any specific country or region. The name has gained wider recognition due to the character "V" in the popular graphic novel and film "V for Vendetta", who wears a Guy Fawkes mask, and its subsequent adoption as a symbol for various protest movements worldwide.
Variations of the surname Fawkes
The surname Fawkes originates from English and Old French backgrounds, possibly originating as a nickname for someone with a ruddy complexion. Variants and alternate spellings of the surname Fawkes could include Fawks, Fawx, Faux, Fauks, Fauxs, Faukess, Fawke, Fawcett, Fawcus and Fouché.
This surname may have achieved prominence due to the infamous figure Guy Fawkes, involved in the Gunpowder Plot to blow up the English Parliament in 1605. This may have led to a variety of spellings in different parts of the UK and in other countries due to different pronunciations or understandings of the name.
Fawkes could also be connected to or derived from other surnames, like Fox. In some records, Fawkes is given as an alternate spelling of this surname. Because Fawkes is not as common as Fox, it might frequently have been misspelled or re-spelled as Fox, especially in places where the population was primarily non-English speaking.
The name is also associated with the French surname Fouché. In French, the ch is pronounced as "sh", not as “ch”, and this could have changed into "x" in English spelling, leading to Foux or Fawx. Fouché could have been anglicized to Fawkes during the Norman conquest of England.
Famous people with the name Fawkes
- Guy Fawkes: The most recognizable person with the last name of Fawkes is Guy Fawkes, notable for his involvement in the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605 in England. A member of a group of provincial English Catholics who planned the failed Gunpowder Plot, Fawkes has become synonymous with the annual bonfire night held on November 5th in England.
- Phoebe Fox: A British actress acknowledged for her roles in television dramas like "The Hollow Crown," "Close to the Enemy," and "Life in Squares." While her last name is Fox and not Fawkes, she continues to impress directors and producers with her stellar acting ability.
- Megan Fawkes: Megan Fawkes isn't famous in the traditional sense, but she is known among fans of the "Resident Evil" franchise as a character from the 2012 "Resident Evil 6" video game.
- Brian Fawkes: He is also known among fans of the "Escape Velocity" franchise as an author of the novel "End Run." It's important to note that the Fawkes surname isn't exceptionally common, and there are fewer celebrities with this name compared to other more common surnames.