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Banks History Etymology Early Origins Early History Spelling Variations Early Notables World Ranking

United States Canada Australia New Zealand West Indies

Contemporary Notables Historic Events Related Stories Suggested Reading Citations

Banks History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Banks

What does the name Banks mean?

The origins of the Banks name lie with England's ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It comes from when the family lived close to a slope, or a hillside. The surname is derived from the Old English word banke. 1

Early Origins of the Banks family

The surname Banks was first found in various counties and shires throughout Britain. One of the first on record was Simon Bankes of Bank Newton in Craven, Yorkshire c. 1200. Walter del Banck was listed in the Subsidy Rolls of 1297 and Metthew Banke was listed in the Subsidy Rolls of Suffolk in 1327. 1

The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 list: Nicholas del Bancke; Adam del Bank; and Magota de Bancke. 2

One branch of the family was found at Winstanley in Lancashire from early times. "In the reign of James I., the manor belonged to James Bancks, a descendant of the Bankes, of Bank Newton, in Craven; in whose family the property continued until about 1731, when, by marriage with the heiress of William Bankes, it passed to the family of Holme, who eventually changed their name to Bankes. Winstanley Hall, existing in the 16th century, is the seat of the Bankes family, and stands in a spacious and delightful park: it has been lately re-edified and improved." 3

The Bankes family were prominent landed gentry in Dorset, England for over 400 years. They originally held Corfe Castle, but it was destroyed during the civil war. Sir John Bankes (1589-1644), Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas to Charles I., was the progenitor.

Early History of the Banks family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Banks research. Another 163 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1300, 1410, 1560, 1580, 1586, 1588, 1589, 1590, 1598, 1600, 1606, 1627, 1631, 1637, 1644, 1659, 1668, 1677, 1696, 1699, 1743, 1768, 1784, 1820 and 1973 are included under the topic Early Banks History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Banks Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Banks were recorded, including Banke, Banck, Bancks, Banckes, Banks, Bankes and others.

Early Notables of the Banks family

Distinguished members of the family include

Sir Joseph Banks, President of the Royal Society; William Bankes, High Sheriff of Lancaster, 1784; Sir John Bankes (1589-1644), Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas to Charles I, who held a family s...
? Banks (fl. 1588-1637), was a famous Scottish showman, to whose 'dancing horse' allusion is made by all the best-known authors of his day. "He is stated in 'Tarlton's Jests' (1600) to have originally...

Banks World Ranking

In the United States, the name Banks is the 215^th most popular surname with an estimated 119,376 people with that name. 4 However, in Canada, the name Banks is ranked the 875^th most popular surname with an estimated 6,092 people with that name. 5 And in Australia, the name Banks is the 387^th popular surname with an estimated 9,553 people with that name. 6 New Zealand ranks Banks as 335^th with 1,884 people. 7 The United Kingdom ranks Banks as 277^th with 22,030 people. 8

Banks migration to the United States +

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Banks family emigrate to North America:

Banks Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

John Banks, who landed in Virginia in 1620 9
Miles Banks, who arrived in Virginia in 1620 9
Edward Banks, who settled in Virginia in 1623
Francis Banks, who landed in Virginia in 1623 aboard the ship "Gift" 9
George Banks, who landed in Virginia in 1624 9
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Banks Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Andrew Banks, who arrived in Virginia in 1705 9
Isabell Banks, who arrived in Virginia in 1713 9
John Banks, who arrived in Virginia in 1714 9
Martha Banks, who landed in Virginia in 1720 9
Elizabeth Banks, who arrived in Carolina in 1724 9
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Banks Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Robert Banks, who arrived in New York in 1811 9
Rose Banks, aged 20, who arrived in Maine in 1812 9
Helen Banks, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1845 9
Benjamin W Banks, who arrived in Mississippi in 1846 9
Carus Banks, aged 19, who arrived in New York in 1864 9
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Banks Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Carl Mackey Banks, who landed in Alabama in 1921 9
Lemie William Banks, who landed in Alabama in 1922 9

Banks migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Banks Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Cyril Banks, who settled in Bay de Verde, Newfoundland in 1716 10
Mr. James Banks U.E. who settled in St. Andrews, Charlotte County, New Brunswick c. 1783 11
Mr. William Banks U.E. who settled in Canada c. 1783 11
Nicholas Banks was a fisherman of St. John's Newfoundland in 1794 10

Banks Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

George Banks, who settled in Fogo, Newfoundland in 1805 10
Mr. Alexander Banks, aged 25 who immigrated to Canada, arriving at the Grosse Isle Quarantine Station in Quebec aboard the ship "Avon" departing from the port of Cork, Ireland but died on Grosse Isle in August 1847 12
Mr. Abraham Banks, aged 22 who was a Seaman aboard the ship "Sir Henry Pottinger" taking passenger to Grosse Isle Quarantine Station in Quebec departing from the port of Belfast, Ireland but died at Grosse Isle on 19th August 1847 in the typhus epidemic 13
Miss. Ellen Banks, aged 2 who was emigrating through Grosse Isle Quarantine Station, Quebec aboard the ship "Mary" departing 24th May 1847 from Sligo, Ireland; the ship arrived on 27th July 1847 but she died on board 14
Mr. John Banks, aged 45 who was emigrating through Grosse Isle Quarantine Station, Quebec aboard the ship "Mary" departing 24th May 1847 from Sligo, Ireland; the ship arrived on 27th July 1847 but he died on board 14
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Banks migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Banks Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. William Banks, English convict who was convicted in Yorkshire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Fame" on 9th October 1816, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 15
Mr. John Banks, British Convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Batavia" in October 1817, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 16
Mr. Solomon Banks, British Convict who was convicted in London, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Batavia" in October 1817, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 16
Mr. Joseph Banks, British Convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for life, transported aboard the "Coromandel" on 27th October 1819, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 17
Mr. John Banks, English convict who was convicted in Stafford, Staffordshire, England for life, transported aboard the "Caledonia" in 19th June 1822, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 18
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Banks migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Banks Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

G Banks, who landed in Auckland, New Zealand in 1837
John Banks, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840
Miss Mary Anne Banks, (b. 1835), aged 21, British general servant travelling from London aboard the ship "Isabella Hercus" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 4th January 1856 19
Miss Elizabeth Banks, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Harkaway" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 2nd June 1857 19
Mr. Enoch Banks, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Harwood" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 4th November 1858 19
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Banks Settlers in New Zealand in the 20th Century

David Banks, aged 18, a farmer, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "S. S. Waimana" in 1926

Banks migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 20

Banks Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century

William Banks, who arrived in Barbados in 1635 9
Mr. William Banks, (b. 1612), aged 23, British settler travelling from London, England aboard the ship "Peter Bonaventure" arriving in Barbados and St Christopher (Saint Kitts) in 1635 21
Mr. William Banks, (b. 1614), aged 21, British settler travelling from London, England aboard the ship "Peter Bonaventure" arriving in Barbados and St Christopher (Saint Kitts) in 1635 21
Mr. Edward Bank's, (b. 1600), aged 35, British settler travelling from London, England aboard the ship "Alexander" arriving in Barbados in 1635 22

Contemporary Notables of the name Banks (post 1700) +

Carolyn Long Banks (1940-2023), American civil rights activist and politician, Member of the Atlanta City Council (1980-1997)
Russell Earl Banks (1940-2023), American writer of fiction and poetry, best known for his "detailed accounts of domestic strife and the daily struggles of ordinary often-marginalized characters"
Maxwell Banks (1933-2022), known by his stage name Max Julien, an American actor, sculptor, and clothes designer best known for his role as Goldie in the 1973 blaxploitation film, The Mack
Dennis Banks (1937-2017), Native American leader, teacher, lecturer, activist and author
Brenda S. Banks (d. 2016), American archivist at the Georgia Archives
Calvin Douglas "Doug" Banks Jr. (1958-2016), American radio personality, host of The Doug Banks Radio Show
Montague "Monty" Banks (1897-1950), born Mario Bianchi, Italian-born, American comedian and film director
Carolyn Banks (b. 1941), American novelist, short-story writer, editor, and screen writer
Nathaniel Prentice Banks (1816-1894), American politician and soldier, 24th Governor of Massachusetts, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and Union general during the American Civil War
Ernie Banks (b. 1931), American baseball player
... (Another 27 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Banks family +

Arrow Air Flight 1285

Mr. Bobby L Banks (1964-1985), American Specialist 4th Class from Junction City, Kansas, USA who died in the Arrow Air Flight 1285 crash 23

HMS Hood

Mr. Sidney T Banks (b. 1901), English Leading Cook (S) serving for the Royal Navy from Hackney, London, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 24
Mr. George H Banks (b. 1905), English Stoker 1st Class serving for the Royal Navy from Guildford, Surrey, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 24

HMS Prince of Wales

Mr. Robert Henry Banks, British Boy 1st Class, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and died in the sinking 25

Citations +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
"Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
"UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
Seary E.R., Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland, Montreal: McGill's-Queen's Universtity Press 1998 ISBN 0-7735-1782-0
Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
Charbonneau, André, and Doris Drolet-Dubé. A Register of Deceased Persons at Sea and on Grosse Île in 1847. The Minister of Canadian Heritage, 1997. ISBN: 0-660-198/1-1997E (p. 12)
Charbonneau, André, and Doris Drolet-Dubé. A Register of Deceased Persons at Sea and on Grosse Île in 1847. The Minister of Canadian Heritage, 1997. ISBN: 0-660-198/1-1997E (p. 62)
Charbonneau, André, and Doris Drolet-Dubé. A Register of Deceased Persons at Sea and on Grosse Île in 1847. The Minister of Canadian Heritage, 1997. ISBN: 0-660-198/1-1997E (p. 64)
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 27th September 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/fairlie
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 30th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/batavia
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 12th March 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/coromandel
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 30th November 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/caledonia
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
Pilgrim Ship Lists Early 1600's. Retrieved 23rd September 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
Pilgrim Ship Lists Early 1600's retrieved 28th September 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
American War Memorials - Flight 1285. (Retrieved 2016, August 24) . Retrieved from http://www.uswarmemorials.org/html/monument_details.php?SiteID=317&MemID=550
H.M.S. Hood Association-Battle Cruiser Hood: Crew Information - H.M.S. Hood Rolls of Honour, Men Lost in the Sinking of H.M.S. Hood, 24th May 1941. (Retrieved 2016, July 15) . Retrieved from http://www.hmshood.com/crew/memorial/roh_24may41.htm
HMS Prince of Wales Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listprincecrew.html