Wilkes is a name of English origin, derived from the surname Wilkes, which is itself derived from the Middle English personal name Wilc, meaning "will" or "desire". The name Wilkes has been associated with several notable figures in history and literature, including John Wilkes, an 18th-century British politician known for his championing of civil liberties, and Charles Wilkes, a 19th-century American explorer and naval officer who led the United States Exploring Expedition around the world.
The name Wilkes is thought to have been used as a given name more frequently in the United States than in other countries. It was among the top 1000 boys' names in the US during much of the 20th century, with its peak popularity occurring in the 1960s and 1970s.
In literature, Wilkes has been used as a character name by several authors, including George Meredith ("The Egoist") and William Makepeace Thackeray ("Vanity Fair"). In popular culture, notable figures named Wilkes include American basketball player Marques Wilkes and English actor Max Wilkes.
The name Wilkes has seen a varied but consistent presence in the United States over the past century, with babies being named Wilkes every decade since the 1910s.
In the early years, Wilkes was quite popular, with six births recorded in both 1916 and 1919. The name's popularity began to wane slightly in the following decades but remained steady nonetheless. Throughout the 1920s and 1940s, there were five or more births each year.
In recent years, however, Wilkes has seen a resurgence in popularity. After remaining relatively stable throughout the late 20th century with around five births per year, the number of babies named Wilkes began to rise significantly in the early 21st century. In 2018, there were an impressive 30 births recorded, marking a significant peak in recent history.
This trend has continued into the current decade, with 21 births recorded in 2021 and 20 births so far in 2023. This indicates that Wilkes is currently enjoying a renewed popularity among parents in the United States.
Overall, while Wilkes may not be one of the most popular names in terms of sheer numbers, its consistent presence over the past century shows that it has enduring appeal as a name for boys. With its recent surge in popularity, it seems likely that Wilkes will continue to be a well-loved choice for parents in the years to come.
The total number of births recorded for Wilkes in the United States since 1916 is 274.