Surname Hanks - Meaning and Origin
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A Journey of Self-Discovery with iGENEA DNA test: Tracing the Hanks Lineage
Discover the journey of self-discovery through the iGENEA DNA test, tracing back the Hanks lineage to medieval England, exploring the rich ancestral heritage, and connecting with other Hanks around the world.
Q. Hanks
read moreHanks: What does the surname Hanks mean?
The last name Hanks is of English origin. It is derived from the medieval personal name "Hank", which is believed to be a diminutive form of the names John or Henry. The suffix "s" typically denotes "son of", thus, Hanks could be interpreted as "son of Hank". Over the years, the name has seen variation in its spelling forms, such as Hankes, Hanke, Hankin, and Hankins. Like many surnames, Hanks might have originally been a nickname or an occupational name utilized to identify individuals in a time when few had unique surnames. The name is most notably recognized in present times due to the famed American actor Tom Hanks. Today, the Hanks surname is found predominately in the United States, England, and Australia. Although its specific meaning may vary in different cultures, originally, it is believed to be patronymic in nature.
Order DNA origin analysisHanks: Where does the name Hanks come from?
The surname Hanks is of Anglo-Saxon origin, primarily derived from the personal name Hann, which is short for Johannes or John. The "-ks" ending is a common patronymic addition meaning "son of". So, Hanks would translate to "son of Hann". Because it was popular in England, it dates back to the late 13th century at least. Today, Hanks is popular in the United States, largely due to immigration from England and the influence of notable personalities with this surname, such as the renowned actor Tom Hanks. Despite this, the surname maintains a significant presence in the UK. Ultimately, while the specific quantity of individuals carrying the surname may fluctuate from country to country, the Hanks surname is widely disbursed across English-speaking nations.
Variations of the surname Hanks
The surname Hanks is believed to have derived from the medieval personal name Hank, which may itself be a diminutive of either John or Henry. Due to the evolution of language and handwriting over centuries, surnames often have several variations in spellings. With respect to Hanks, some of its variations and similar surnames include Hank, Hankes, Hanke, Hankin, Hankey, Hankison, Hankyn, Hankyns, Hankinson,and Hankisson.
These variant spellings have generally been influenced by phonetic spelling, regional accents, and even translation between languages. It should also be noted that Surnames of the same origin might have become very different in spelling due to migration and subsequent anglicization.
The surname Hanks is of English origin, and it is quite possible that other surnames of the same origin may have developed into separate unique surnames over time. For instance, similar surnames of the same origin like Henricus or Johannes (John), could have developed into surnames such as Henderson or Johnson. However, these variant surnames are significantly different in spelling and it would require genealogical research to establish a definite connection.
Famous people with the name Hanks
- Tom Hanks: An esteemed American actor and producer recognized for his roles in blockbuster films such as "Forrest Gump," "Cast Away," and "Saving Private Ryan."
- Colin Hanks: Son of Tom Hanks, Colin is also an actor who has appeared in films like "Orange County" and "King Kong," and series such as "Fargo" and "Life in Pieces."
- Jim Hanks: Younger brother of Tom Hanks, Jim is a voice actor renowned for synchronizing Sheriff Woody in "Toy Story" video games.
- Rita Wilson (Hanks): An accomplished actress and singer, Rita is the wife of Tom Hanks, known for her roles in "Sleepless in Seattle" and "Runaway Bride."
- Elizabeth Hanks: Daughter of Tom Hanks, Elizabeth is an author and former editor at the Huffington Post.
- Truman Theodore Hanks: The youngest son of Tom Hanks, Truman has gained exposure due to his family name.
- Daryl Hanks: Although not as famous as his siblings, he is also an actor and part of the Hanks family.
- Lawrence Hanks: An entomology professor at the University of Illinois and Tom Hanks' eldest brother. The Hanks family has had a significant impact on the entertainment industry, with many members being involved in film, television, and writing.