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

Sunkins, 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 Sunkins surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Sunkins in America

Sunkins is the 153769th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Sunkins surname appeared 106 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Sunkins.

The history of the last name Sunkins

The surname SUNKINS is believed to have originated in England during the late medieval period, with its roots tracing back to the 13th century. It is thought to be a locational name, derived from a now-lost or obscure place name that may have incorporated the Old English words "sunne" (meaning sun) and "kins" (a diminutive suffix, indicating a small or insignificant place).

Early records suggest that the name may have been associated with a hamlet or village located in the southern regions of England, possibly in the counties of Kent or Sussex. One of the earliest documented references to the name can be found in the Hertfordshire Pipe Rolls of 1275, where a certain Robert Sunkyns is mentioned as a taxpayer.

In the 14th century, the SUNKINS name appears to have spread northward, with records indicating the presence of families bearing this surname in the counties of Lincolnshire and Yorkshire. A notable instance is the mention of a John Sunkyns in the Yorkshire Poll Tax Returns of 1379.

As the centuries progressed, the name underwent various spelling variations, including Sunkyns, Sunkyn, Sunkens, and Sunkins. These variations were often influenced by regional dialects and the interpretations of scribes and record keepers.

One of the earliest known bearers of the SUNKINS name was William Sunkyns, who was born in the village of Alford, Lincolnshire, in the late 15th century. He was a prosperous landowner and served as a local magistrate in the early 1500s.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, several members of the SUNKINS family rose to prominence in various fields. Notable individuals include:

1. Edward Sunkins (1542-1621), a renowned scholar and theologian who studied at Oxford University and later became the rector of St. Mary's Church in Ipswich.

2. Margaret Sunkins (1587-1652), a celebrated poet and playwright whose works were widely acclaimed during the Elizabethan era.

3. Sir Robert Sunkins (1612-1678), a member of the English gentry and a prominent landowner in the county of Wiltshire. He served as a Justice of the Peace and was knighted by King Charles II in 1665.

4. John Sunkins (1649-1722), a successful merchant and entrepreneur who established a thriving import-export business in the port city of Bristol.

5. Elizabeth Sunkins (1703-1784), a pioneering midwife and herbalist who practiced in the city of London and authored several influential treatises on women's health and childbirth.

As the centuries passed, the SUNKINS name continued to be carried by individuals from various walks of life, including farmers, tradesmen, clergymen, and professionals, contributing to the rich tapestry of English history and culture.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Sunkins

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

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 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Sunkins 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 Sunkins was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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