How common is the Banks surname?

There are approximately 85,000 people with the surname Banks in the United States.

Are there Banks soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 1,583 soldiers with the Banks surname appear in Civil War records.

Banks

Q: What does the surname Banks mean?

The surname Banks means "Derived from someone who lived near the banks of a river or stream.". It is of English origin.

Topographic

Meaning

Derived from someone who lived near the banks of a river or stream.

Etymology

From the Old English word 'banke' meaning the slope or edge of a watercourse. The surname was given to those whose dwellings were situated along riverbanks or elevated ground near water.

About the Banks Surname

Banks is a common English topographic surname indicating residence near a riverbank or elevated terrain. The name became hereditary during the medieval period when surnames were adopted to distinguish individuals by their geographical location.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 85,000 bearers in the United States #431 most common surname

Rare Common

Primarily found in England, particularly in northern regions, with secondary populations in Scotland and North America.

Banks Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

C.k. Banks

Julia Banks

Martha Elizabeth Banks

N.P. Banks

Hon.

Nathaniel Prentice Banks

Hon.

S.S. Banks

Quick Facts

Origin: English
Classification: Topographic
Estimated Bearers: 85,000

War Records

1,583 soldiers with the Banks surname found in Civil War records.

Search war records →