Surname Bircks - Meaning and Origin
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Bircks: What does the surname Bircks mean?
The last name Bircks is a patronymic surname derived from the personal name Birk which is of German and Scandinavian origin. This name is likely derived from the Old Norse byrkr meaning 'birch-tree', as well as the Germanic birk meaning 'someone who lives near a birch-tree or grove'. Bircks is also sometimes an Anglicised form of the Gaelic surname McLarich, which means 'the son of Larach'.
The surname Bircks can be found most often in England, as well as in countries of Northern and Central Europe. The surname is more prevalent in England than in other countries, where it ranks in the top 2000 most common surnames. The name also appears in some records in Ireland.
The earliest records of this surname date back to the 17th century in England. In the 1600s, records of John Byrck can be found in Lancashire, England, and a Thomas Bircks was found in a burial record in 1677.
Although the meaning of the surname Bircks is not completely known, it is likely that it was associated with the birch tree and those who lived in areas with a high concentration of birch trees. This could have been seen as a sign of strength and courage, making it an ideal surname for a proud family.
Order DNA origin analysisBircks: Where does the name Bircks come from?
The last name Bircks is particularly evident in areas of German, Swiss, and Dutch descent around the world. In Germany, the name is particularly popular throughout the south of the country and has seemingly been in the country for centuries according to records dating back to the Middle Ages.
In the United States, the surname is most commonly found in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Florida, and New York. German and Swiss immigrants to the United States from the 1800s and early 1900s often used the name when they arrived, but it was also used by some Native American tribes and their descendants.
In Canada, the last name Bircks is most commonly found in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia, among other provinces. The name may have been adopted by some French Canadian families over the years, or alternatively, by descendants of German immigrants who moved to Canada.
In Australia, the name Bircks is found mostly in Victoria and New South Wales. Again, the name may have been adopted by some Gaelic Irish families, or alternatively, by descendants of German immigrants who moved to Australia.
Given its spread, the last name Bircks appears to be an international one, having been adopted by many culturally disparate populations over many years.
Variations of the surname Bircks
The surname Bircks is a spelling variant of the English surname Berkes, which is derived from the Middle English name Berkeswode, meaning "forest of birch trees". It is thought to have originated in southeast England and was one of the most popular surnames in that area until the 16th century.
Spellings
The surname Bircks can also be spelled as Burkes, Burtch, Birkett, Burkett, Berckes, Berkesen, Berkeson, Berkesse, Birkes, Birks and Bewkison.
Surnames of the same origin
There are some other surnames that are related to Bircks, such as Bierks, Birch, Birkhead, Birkins, Birkley, Birkshire, Borks, Ryckes and Wirkett.
All of these surnames are derived from a place name or occupation, and have the same meaning - a forest of birch trees. The spelling variations attest to the fact that spelling conventions have changed over time, and the same name can take on different forms.
In conclusion, the surname Bircks is one of many spelling variants for the English surname Berkes, which is derived from the Middle English name Berkeswode, meaning "forest of birch trees". It is linked with a number of other surnames that have the same origin, such as Bierks, Birch, Birkhead, Birkins, Birkley, Birkshire, Borks, Ryckes and Wirkett.
Famous people with the name Bircks
- David Birks: British novelist, known for his detective fiction featuring DI Will Jackman.
- John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie: American jazz trumpeter, bandleader, composer and singer who has been one of the most influential jazz musicians of his time.
- Rosamund Birks: British film producer.
- Jennie Birks: English actress best known for her work on television programs such as "The Bill" and "Emmerdale".
- Lois Birks- Choreographer, director, lecturer, and public speaker.
- Thomas Birks: Senior Fellow of the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities, University of Edinburgh.
- Rebecca Birks: Filmmaker and production designer.
- James Birks: Entrepreneur, CEO and founder of UK-based online recruitment company.
- Gary Birks: British professional golfer.
- Jack Birks: English dairyman and entrepreneur who founded the dairy product company, Unigate.