Sykes Name Origin, Meaning and Family History

Sykes Name Meaning: Name given to a person who lived by a stream or marsh. From Middle English 'syke' meaning marshy stream or damp gully.

Also believed to derive from Sikes-Dyke in Carlisle, Cumberland, possibly before the Norman Conquest.

Discover how your Sykes ancestors earned their living and spread across the country. Find out more about your family history by using the Free Search box.

Surname Distribution

Census frequency by county

Name Concentrations Within England and Wales

Sykes Surname Statistics


Top Professions for the Sykes family

Profession Census Frequency
Female Servant 173
Weaver 164
Independent 139
Farmer 121
Agricultural Labourer 118
Labourer 106
Fancy Weaver 106
Woollen Weaver 97
Clothier 94
Coal Miner 47
Male Servant 45
Shoe Maker 42
Cotton Weaver 42
Cloth Dresser 42
Cotton Piecer 32
Dress Maker 28
Woollen Spinner 27
Cotton Spinner 25
Apprentice 24
Tailor 23
Butcher 23
Gardener 22
Joiner 20
Wool Comber 20
Stone Mason 19

Sykes Surname Variants Ranking

Rank Surname Match Census Frequency
1 Sykes 100% 98,267
2 Sikes 80% 889

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The surname Sykes is the most popular version of all its varients

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