Find out how popular the first name Wilks has been for the last 4 years (from 2017 to 2020) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Wilks by gender

Based on the last 4 years of data, Wilks is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2020, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Wilks.

The history of the first name Wilks

The given name Wilks has its origins in the Old English language, deriving from the Germanic root word "wil," which means "will" or "desire." This name emerged during the Anglo-Saxon period, primarily in regions where Old English was spoken, such as parts of present-day England and southern Scotland.

One of the earliest known references to the name Wilks can be found in the Domesday Book, a medieval census commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name appeared in various spellings, such as Wilcus and Wilcox, indicating its use during the 11th century.

The name Wilks gained prominence in the Middle Ages, with several notable individuals bearing this moniker. One such figure was Wilks of Ely (c. 1180-1268), an English Benedictine monk and chronicler who served as the prior of Ely Cathedral. His writings provide valuable insights into the political and ecclesiastical affairs of his time.

During the Renaissance period, the name Wilks continued to be used, albeit with varying spellings. One notable bearer was Wilks Bury (c. 1490-1545), an English lawyer and Member of Parliament during the reign of Henry VIII. His political career and legal expertise earned him recognition in contemporary records.

In the 17th century, Wilks emerged as a prominent name among the Puritan settlers of New England. One notable figure was Wilks Woodbridge (1605-1688), a colonial minister and one of the founders of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. His legacy includes his involvement in the establishment of religious institutions and his contributions to the early development of colonial society.

Another significant bearer of the name Wilks was Robert Wilks (1665-1738), an English mathematician and theologian. He is best known for his work on the calculus of variations and his contributions to the development of mathematical principles in theology.

As the name Wilks continued to be used throughout the centuries, it has been borne by various individuals from different walks of life, including artists, scholars, and public figures. While the name has evolved in terms of spelling and popularity over time, its origins can be traced back to the Anglo-Saxon period and the Old English language.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Wilks was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Wilks, please contact us.

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!