Meaning and origin
The last name Starks is derived from the Middle English word "stark," which means strong or stout. It can also be traced back to the Old Norse name "Starkr," meaning brave or valiant. Over time, the name spread and became more common, with variations appearing across different regions and dialects.
The longer story
The last name Starks is an intriguing surname that has a rich historical background. Derived from the Old English word "starc," meaning "stiff or strong," Starks is a name that evokes strength and resilience. It is predominantly found in the United States, particularly in states such as Texas, Mississippi, and Arkansas.
This could refer to a steep hill or cliff, a large rock formation, or a fortified stronghold. The name may have also been used to describe someone with a strong or energetic personality.
An early recorded instance of the Starks surname is found in the English county of Yorkshire in the 13th century, where a William le Stark was documented. Over time, the name gradually spread throughout England and, ultimately, to other parts of the world, including the United States.
Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.
#1,782
Starks was the 1,782nd most common surname in the 2010 US Census, with 20,130 people, about 6.5 in every 100,000.
Who carries it
Surnames like Starks
Names it is linked with, then names with the same origin and a similar standing.
Check the sources
- Forebears: where Starks is found around the world
- The Internet Surname Database: a second opinion on the origin
- US Census Bureau: the 2010 surname figures used here
For a name you are serious about, compare the dictionaries: Reaney and Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames; Hanks, Dictionary of American Family Names.