Pike (surname)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Pike is a common family name, particularly among English-speaking populations. In the United States, Pike is the 1138th most common surname (based on the 1990 census). In England and Wales, it is the 513th most common surname (based on a Sept 2002 database of the Office for National Statistics). In Newfoundland, Pike is especially common, ranking 22nd among all surnames there (based on the 1955 voters list, as reported by E.R.Seary in "Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland").
The origins of the name are not entirely clear. Individuals may have adopted the surname based on an association with Pike (the fish), Pike (the weapon), or a turnpike (one of the early meanings of which was a turning pike, a horizontal timber that was mounted so as to be able to spin or turn (such turnpikes apparently served as barriers to prevent horses from accessing foot paths, and in other instances to block passage until a toll had been paid). It has also been speculated that the name Pike might be derived in some instances from the word "peak", such as when somebody resided at the peak of a hill.
That there are multiple possible origins for the name may partly explain its relative frequency. Moreover, if unrelated individuals in different locations each adopted the surname, then there would presently be several distinct Pike families in existence. This phenomenon is in fact being observed by the Pike Surname DNA Project, which is using genetic testing to assist with Pike family genealogies. As of March 2007, the DNA project had test results from 56 Pikes showing that there are at least 23 genetically distinct Pike family lines. In the British Isles alone, evidence of at least 5 unrelated Pike family lines has so far been discovered.
Pike family resources:
