Surname Hawks - Meaning and Origin

Unfolding the Ancient Stories of the Hawk Surname Through iGENEA DNA Analysis

After years of fascination with my lineage, I finally took a DNA test with iGENEA to unearth the stories and origins of my family name, Hawks. The detailed DNA analysis took me back to ancient times, linking my surname with diverse regions and fascinating historical contexts.

U. Hawks

Hawks: What does the surname Hawks mean?

The surname Hawks is of English origin and is a nickname or an occupational name derived from the bird of prey with the same name 'hawk'. It is believed to have been used for someone with a hawk-like or sharp-eyed nature, or as a falconer - someone who trained and cared for the hunting birds for a nobleman. The nickname may have also been given to persons who were considered predatory or opportunistically rapacious in their character, echoing the hunting behaviour of the bird. During the Middle Ages, it was a common practice to use animal names as nicknames or to define particular trades. The surname has many spelling variations including Hawk, Hawke, Hawkes, etc., and starts appearing in old English records in different parts of England in the 12th century, indicating that it might have developed independently in different locations. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Ailricus Hawke, residing in Suffolk, which was dated 1185, in the "Records of the Templars in England". This surname is found all over the English-speaking world today.

Hawks: Where does the name Hawks come from?

The surname Hawks is believed to have originated from England, particularly in the Medieval period. It derives from the Old English pre 7th century word "hafoc", meaning "hawk". It was likely used as a nickname for someone seen to have the attributes of a hawk, such as speed or sharp eyesight, or someone who looked after hawks, a falconer. Surnames as a whole did not become common until the Norman conquest of England in the 11th century, and the vikings might have also used this term in a patronymic form.

Today, the Hawks surname is common throughout English speaking countries, however, it is significantly more common in the United States. According to Forebears surname directory, the United States ranks highest in terms of country populations with the last name Hawks, followed by England and Australia. Within the United States, it is most prevalent in the state of Utah, but also has significant populations within North Carolina, Michigan and California. Also, it's relatively common for Hawks to be a chosen surname in stage names and pseudonyms in the entertainment industry.

Variations of the surname Hawks

The surname Hawks is originally of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from the Old English term 'Hafoc', meaning hawk, later evolving into Hauk in Middle English. The surname was used as a nickname for someone who bore a supposed resemblance to a hawk.

Variations of the surname Hawks may include Hawkes, Hauks, Hawk, Hawkenson, Hawkingson, Haukingson, and Hauk. There have also been instances where the names have been recorded without the 's' at the end, as Hawk or Hauk.

The name can also appear as a patronymic surname, where 's' or 'son' is added at the end, referring to 'son of Hawk' originally. So we get another variant of Hawkson, Hawkinson, and Hawkins for the surname.

Geographical locations also impacted surname variants significantly. Hence, in different regions, the name may adopt differing forms. The addition or omission of an 'e' at the end, i.e. Hawke, is another common variant.

Rare spellings include Hawkens, Hawkin, Hakins, or Hawkyns. In some cases, the name might even be spelled phonetically as Halk or Hauk. Note that these variants can surface in cases where the name has travelled and adapted to local languages or dialects.

Famous people with the name Hawks

• Phil Hawks: Phil Hawks is an American actor known for his roles in House M.D., Scandal, and A Walk in the Clouds.
• Cheryl Hawks: Cheryl Hawks is an American acting coach and founding partner of The Barrow Group, a New York City-based non-profit that provides acting classes and workshops.
• Kenton Hawks: Kenton Hawks is an American entrepreneur and co-founder of Wise Safety & Environmental, a company specializing in indoor air quality and environmental safety programs.
• Anthony Hawks: Anthony Hawks is an American actor and producer best known for his roles in The Avengers, The Amazing Spiderman, and Babel.
• Walter Hawks: Walter Hawks is an American pilot and Stealth Fighter Program Manager.
• Ray Hawks: Ray Hawks is the founder and CEO of Signature Science, a full-service forensic science company.
• Elwood Hawks: Elwood Hawks was a professional boxer of the 1930s.
• David Hawks: David Hawks is an American basketball coach who was the head coach for Virginia Tech from 1963 to 1971.
• Boyd Hawks: Boyd Hawks was a Hollywood stuntman and actor, known for his work in movies such as King Kong, The High and the Mighty, The High Chaparral, and Sahara.
• E.D. Hawks: E.D. Hawks was a professional baseball player from the 1910s, playing in the minor leagues for the St. Louis Browns.

Other surnames

HawkHawkeHawkenHawkensHawkerHawkesHawkfordHawkinHawkinesHawkingHawkingsHawkinsHawkinsonHawkisHawkridgeHawkriggHawksfordHawksleyHawkyns