Surname Pike - Meaning and Origin

Illuminations From My iGENEA DNA Test: Unravelling the Ancient Origins and History of the Surname Pike

The journey of unravelling my origins through my recent iGENEA DNA test has enlightened me to intriguing aspects of my family name - Pike. With roots in ancient Anglo-Saxon culture, my surname bears witness to a vivid history and rich cultural heritage that have shaped my identity and transformed my understanding of self.

U. Pike

Pike: What does the surname Pike mean?

The surname Pike is of both English and Nordic origin, deriving from the Old Norse word "píka" meaning "pointed object," often referring to a hill or peak. In some cases, it may refer to those who lived near such a geographical feature. It could also relate back to the Middle English word "pike", which stands for a pointed weapon, directly relating to someone who used this type of weapon, most likely a soldier. In the fishing community, the surname Pike might have been given to someone who caught this type of fish. So, the Pike surname could be topographic for someone who lived by a hill, occupational for a soldier or fisherman, or even a nickname. Like most surnames, variations of spellings can include Pyke, Pic, and Pick. Because surnames can often point to a family's geographic, occupational, or characteristic history, the exact meaning can vary based on the individual family lineage.

Pike: Where does the name Pike come from?

The last name Pike is common across the United Kingdom and surrounding countries, including Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and the Channel Islands. It is also found in North America, particularly in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The origin of the name is believed to come from Norman French and ultimately the Latin word for "peak," reflecting its use as a nickname for someone who lived on a hill or mountain peak. It is believed to have been in use in England as early as the 12th century.

In the U.S., the surname is particularly common in the New England states. The name is found in high concentrations throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Vermont. It is also very popular in southern states such as Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi.

In Canada, Pike is found mostly in the Maritime Provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.

In other countries the name is found in high concentrations in Germany, Denmark, France, and Luxembourg.

Though the name seems to have originated in the UK and in North America, it is likely to have spread to many other countries as well. It is particularly common in countries where English was once spoken, such as India, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as South Africa.

Variations of the surname Pike

The surname Pike is believed to have a number of alternate spellings and variants, as well as appearing as a range of different surnames around the world. The most common variants of this surname are Pyke, Pikes, Pyrke, and Piker. In other countries, the name is often spelt as Pyk, Pykk, Pik, or Pikk.

The origin of the surname is unclear, though it could have derived from a nickname given to someone who moved quickly or played a game involving speed. The name may also have been given as an occupational name to someone who exercised authority such as a magistrate or a prison guard. Alternatively, the name may have come from a location, such as Pike Brook in England, or have derived from an old English word meaning 'peace'.

The surname Pike is also seen in various surnames around the world, many of which are believed to be related to this name: Peeke in Scotland, Pico in Italy, Puga in Spain, Pyka in Poland, and Pikku in Finland. There are also numerous spelling variants such as Pearce, Paik, and Park.

The surname Pike is most commonly found in the United States and the United Kingdom, and it is believed to have originated in England. The Pike family has numerous branches in England and the United States, with numerous sub-branches in each country.

Famous people with the name Pike

• Rosamund Pike: an English actress known for her roles in films such as Gone Girl, Pride & Prejudice, Die Another Day and Hostiles.
• Kevin Pike: an American actor best known for his roles in movies and TV shows such as Spider-Man 3, Southland, Castle, Criminal Minds and CSI.
• Sheryl Pike: an Australian model, singer and actress. She has featured in shows such as Australia’s Next Top Model, Tropic Thunder and The Karate Kid.
• Kate Pike: a British model and actress best known for her roles in The Bill, The Informants and Sliding Doors.
• Albert Pike: an American lawyer, soldier, writer and Freemason. He is best known for his books that focus on Biblical and religious subjects.
• Charlene Pike: a Canadian actress and dancer best known for roles in films such as Elf, Star Struck and Making It.
• Bronwen Pike: an Australian actress, best known for her roles in Neighbours and City Homicide.
• Donnie Pike: a professional American Football player, who played the offensive guard for the Los Angeles Rams and the Arizona Cardinals.
• Florence Pike: a British artist, best known for her landscapes and architectural paintings.
• Barry Pike: a British actor, best known for his role in the TV series Foreman Adam.

Other surnames

PikenPikeringPiketonPiketunPikholcPikholtzPikholzPikinPiklerPikofskyPikus