Surname Freke - Meaning and Origin

Freke: What does the surname Freke mean?

The surname Freke is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from an Old English personal name, Freek or Frick, which means 'bold.' It was often adopted as a nickname for an audacious, unabashed, or straightforward person, depicting their strong personality. This name emerged during the period when surnames were coming into widespread use, typically denoting occupation, location, patronage, or personal characteristics. It's worth noting that the meanings of many surnames have evolved or obscured over time due to linguistic and societal changes. Although the specific meaning of the name 'Freke' might not hold true for every bearer of the name, it offers a historical or etymological insight into the name's origin. Despite its English origin, the name Freke can be found in various countries worldwide, influenced by migration, colonization, and the spread of the English language.

Freke: Where does the name Freke come from?

The last name Freke is most common today in the United Kingdom, particularly in the southern and western parts of the country. It is thought to have originated in the county of Sussex, with records indicating that there were Frekes in the area as far back as 1182. The surname is also found in small numbers in Ireland, France, Germany, and the United States.

The Freke surname is believed to be of Anglo-Saxon origin, and its meaning is connected to the word 'frith' meaning 'forest'. 'Freke' could have been used to refer to a woodsman, or it may indicate an ancestral connection to the forests of Sussex. Alternatively, the surname may have originated from a nickname given to someone who was a 'free spirit'.

Today, members of the Freke family are spread out around the world, but the surname is still mainly concentrated in the United Kingdom and Ireland. There are also some Frekees living in the United States, particularly in the Midwest, as well as communities in Australia, Canada, South Africa, and New Zealand.

Variations of the surname Freke

The surname Freke has a variety of different spellings and variants originating from the same origin. Some of these include the surnames Freke, Frake, Frake, Frach, Frech, Freks, Freck, Fricke, Frek, and Frauke.

The surname Freke is thought to originate from the Old French word franche, which is the term used to refer to a person from France. It could also derive from the French word for “freckle”, which would make the surname an occupational name for someone who sold freckled items.

The surname Freke was most popularly used in England, where it was first recorded in the 1500s. Several individuals with the surname Freke were part of the English Barons at this time. The Freke name also spread to Scotland in the 1700s, where it is still used today.

The first recorded use of the Freke surname in America was in the late 1700s, when Joseph Freke arrived in Philadelphia. Later, Felix Freke arrived in Virginia in the early 1800s. The surname Freke is found today throughout the United States, although it is most common in the New England states.

In addition to spelling variations of the surname Freke, there are also alternate forms or variants. For example, Frecker and Frecka both derive from the surname Freke and are still in use today. The surname Frack is also a variant of Freke which originated in the Netherlands. Frauke or Frauk is an alternate spelling which originated in Germany and the Scandinavian countries.

Famous people with the name Freke

• Sophie Freke: British actress, writer, and producer.
• Les Freke: former NBA player.
• Nicholas Freke: British scientist and writer.
• Ronald Freke: Canadian Canadian Martial Artist and Immigration Officer.
• Troels Freke: Danish former professional footballer.
• Trever Freke: musician from the UK.
• Ernest Freke: English actor and theatre director.
• Alfred Freke: Former English Member of Parliament
• Alison Freke: British Actress
• John Freke: Irish Writer and Poet
• George Freke: Royal Horseguards Officer and Ancestor of the Earls of Darlington
• Isabella Freke: England’s First Known Female Astronomer
• Sir John Freke: English Judge and Politician
• Carissa Freke: American Businesswoman and Anthropologist
• Gregory Freke: British Historian and Archaeologist
• Patrick Freke: British Entomologist
• Baron Margadale: Freke Family Heir and Member of the British House of Lords
• Piers Freke: British Author and Film Producer
• William Freke: British Soldier and Gentleman
• Sarah Freke: Irish Painter and Sewing Pattern Designer

Other surnames

Freking