Find out how popular the last name Skenes is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Skenes.

Skenes, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Skenes surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Skenes in America

Skenes is the 143847th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Skenes surname appeared 106 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Skenes.

The history of the last name Skenes

The surname Skenes has its origins in Scotland, dating back to the medieval period. The name is believed to be derived from the Gaelic word "sgian," which means a small dagger or knife. This etymology reflects a common practice in Gaelic cultures where surnames were often based on physical objects or characteristics associated with the family.

The earliest records of the surname Skenes can be traced to the northeastern region of Scotland. It was predominantly found in the counties of Aberdeenshire and Moray, areas that were historically significant in the formation of Scotland's early history. The name appears in various forms in medieval manuscripts, such as "Skene" and "Skeyne." These variations are typical of the period, given the lack of standardized spelling.

Historical references to the name Skenes are found in old Scottish records, such as the Ragman Rolls of 1296, which documented the nobility and landowners who pledged allegiance to King Edward I of England. One notable early bearer of the name was John de Skene, whose allegiance is recorded in these rolls, demonstrating the name's longstanding association with Scottish nobility.

The Skenes family is perhaps most famously linked to the Skene Castle in Aberdeenshire, which has been the seat of the Skene family since the 14th century. Alexander Skene of Skene, born around 1540 and known as a covenanter, played a significant role in the religious and political upheavals of 17th-century Scotland. He was an ardent supporter of the National Covenant, which sought to preserve Presbyterianism against the attempts of King Charles I to impose Anglican practices.

David Skene, born in 1731, was a noteworthy figure in the field of medicine and natural history. He became a physician and was associated with the University of Aberdeen. Skene's contributions to botany and his extensive herbarium collections were highly regarded, establishing him as a prominent scientist of his time. He passed away in 1770, leaving behind a legacy of scholarly achievement.

Another significant historical figure was James Henry Skene, born in 1812. Skene served as the British Consul to Aleppo and later Beirut, playing an important role in Middle Eastern diplomacy during the reign of the Ottoman Empire. His writings on the region provided valuable insights into the historical and political landscape of the time. Skene's work as a diplomat and historian remained influential until his death in 1886.

The Reverend Gilbert Thomas Skene, born in 1865, was a noted clergyman and missionary. He was instrumental in the spread of Christianity in Africa, particularly in Uganda, where he established several missions. His efforts in education and healthcare significantly impacted the local communities. Skene continued his missionary work until his death in 1942.

In summary, the surname Skenes has a rich and storied history rooted in Scotland, with connections to notable locations such as Skene Castle. The name has been borne by individuals who have made significant contributions to fields including religion, medicine, botany, and diplomacy. The legacy of the Skenes surname continues to be recognized through these historical figures and their lasting impact.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Skenes

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Skenes.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Skenes was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

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

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

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