Surname Speak - Meaning and Origin
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Speak: What does the surname Speak mean?
The surname Speak is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from the Old English pre 7th Century "spec," meaning "woodpecker." It was originally given as a nickname to a person who was believed to have characteristics of a woodpecker, which might refer to someone who was persistent and tenacious, or perhaps someone who was a good talker, given the bird's incessant ‘tapping’ sound. As surnames became a necessity with the introduction of personal taxation laws, former inhabitants of a place would often adopt the village name as their surname, so it could also possibly a geographical surname for someone who lived in a place abundantly populated by woodpeckers. Like many surnames, the exact meaning can be tough to determine as it may have evolved over time and may have a different meaning in different cultures or regions.
Order DNA origin analysisSpeak: Where does the name Speak come from?
The surname Speak is a British family name with ancient origins. It is most commonly found in England, particularly the Midlands and North-West, where it is a variant of the more common "Speake". The surname is thought to have come from the Anglo-Saxon word specca, meaning an area of marshland. The earliest recorded use of this name was in 1453, when a man named Nicholas Speke was recorded as owning property in Bedfordshire.
Speak is still quite a common surname in England today, particularly in the north-west and the Midlands. In the 2011 census, it is the 160th most common name in the UK, with around 18,500 people registered as having it.
Speak is also a well-worn part of British history. Famous speakers include Thomas Speke, who brought back the first detailed reports of the Central African kingdom of Buganda in 1862; and Henry Speak, a pioneering explorer of the Arctic in the late 18th century.
The Speak family has also made a significant contribution to modern British culture. Paul Speaks, a children's author, was a respected name in the publishing world in the early 2000s, and Alan Speak is a famous football manager who achieved great success with Manchester City. As such, the legacy of the Speak surname continues today.
Variations of the surname Speak
The surnames Speak and Speake derive from the Old English word “spic”, which means “spokesman” or “one who speaks for another”. The name refers to someone who is an authority on a particular topic, or someone who is a spokesperson for a group.
The surname Speak can also be spelled Speake. Variations of the surname Speak include Speakey, Speeck, Speke, Speaks, Spicke, Speicher, Spiker, Spea(c)kles, Spickele, Spikers, and Spice.
Speak and Speake are commonly found in the UK and Ireland. The Speicher variation is most commonly found in the United States, and the Spea(c)kles variation is often found in Australia.
The first recorded instance of the surname Speak is found in Devon, England in 1324, and the first recorded Speicher was from Pennsylvania in 1769. The first recorded Spea(c)kles were from Victoria, Australia in 1864.
Speakers have performed both noble and ignoble roles throughout the ages, and the surname reflects this unique role. From their associations with influential political roles to society outcasts, the surname Speak has had a long history in many regions of the world.
Famous people with the name Speak
- Aaron Speak: Former University of California-Berkeley Board of Regents member and former mayor of Orinda, California.
- Brooke Speak: British actress known for her roles in the television series Coronation Street, Doctors, Bad Girls and Holby City.
- Chris Speak: Australian Actor known for his roles in the Australian films Heavens Burning, Zoo Daze and Emerald Falls.
- Dave Speak: Retired professional ice hockey player and current sports analyst.
- Dick Speak: Former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1955 to 1964.
- Eric Speak: British, award-winning film sound engineer and music producer whose work can be heard in Skyfall, Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and more.
- Frank Speak: Former English cricketer who played for the Lancashire Second XI.
- Jacob Speak: American professional wrestler.
- James Speak: American actor and dancer, known for his roles on the television series Mad Men and Stitchers.
- John Speak: Former Member of the British Parliament and former leader of the British Liberal Party.