Surname Cheeks - Meaning and Origin

Cheeks: What does the surname Cheeks mean?

The last name Cheeks can have multiple origins depending on the context and geographical region of the person. In some instances, it is derived from the Old English term "ceoce," which refers to the geographical feature of a narrow valley or a hollow. Individuals living in such natural formations were often given this name, making it a locational surname. Additionally, Cheeks could also be an occupational surname, referring to someone who checks or inspects goods or services. In other cultures, this surname might be a playful nickname referring to a person's cheeks. Surnames, especially in ancient times, served as identifiers indicating locations, occupations, personal characteristics, or even ancestral connections. Therefore, the exact meaning of the surname Cheeks can vary widely depending on historical circumstances, geographical locations, and individual family histories.

Cheeks: Where does the name Cheeks come from?

The surname Cheeks is of English origin and is believed to have been derived from the Old English word "cearc" meaning a cut or mark. It was often used as a nickname in medieval England for someone with a prominent or distinctive cheek or facial outlook.

Most of the bearers of the Cheeks surname initially lived in areas around Cheshire and Yorkshire, situated in Northern England. The earliest record of this surname dates to the 13th Century in the county of Yorkshire, where Robert Chike is noted in the Hundred Rolls tax census of 1273. Variations of this surname include Cheke, Check and Cheek.

Today, the surname Cheeks is most commonly found in the United States, specifically in the state of North Carolina, and to a lesser extent, the United Kingdom. It should be noted that the surname is relatively rare and not one of the most prevalent surnames in these regions. It is also found in small numbers in countries including Canada, Australia, and South Africa.

Variations of the surname Cheeks

The Cheeks surname is likely of British origin, particularly from Wales or the border region between England and Scotland. The name might have originated from geographical features or landmarks which a group of people resided close to, such as hills or peaks, derived from the Old English term "cealc," meaning "chalk."

Variations in the surname's spelling observed over time may include Cheke, Cheek, Cheeke, Cheekee, Cheake, Cheakey, Check, Checker, Chike, Chik, Chikee, and Chike, among others.

Surnames from the same origin could include Hall, Rivers, Hill, Field, Ford, Moore, and many others. This is due to the common practice of using geographical features or occupations to determine surnames during the Middle Ages in Britain.

Its worth noting that the various spellings or variations of the same surname could arise from phonetic misspellings, translations, and transliterations when family records were being authored by priests and clerics, who would write down names as they heard them, leading to numerous variations in the spelling of the same surname.

Lastly, it should be noted that the occurrence and distribution of these surname variants would likely be influenced by various factors such as regional dialects, cultural assimilation, and immigration patterns.

Famous people with the name Cheeks

• Maurice Cheeks: He is a retired American professional basketball player and currently a coach. Known for his stint with the Philadelphia 76ers, Cheeks was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 2018.
• Jalen Cheeks: Jalen is a well-known American football player who has played with teams like the Navarro College Bulldogs.
• Elicia Cheeks: She is a famous American track and field athlete who specializes in hurdles.
• Robert Cheeks: A public intellectual, Robert is known for his writings on politics, religion, and culture.
• The Cheeks band: This is a German pop band, best known for their hits in the late 90s and early 2000s.
• Larry "Bunky" Cheeks" is a character in the Nickelodeon series "Spongebob Squarepants."
• Aretha Cheeks: She is a well-known gospel singer.
• Sandy Cheeks: Although not a real person, sandy Cheeks is a famous character from the animated TV show "Spongebob Squarepants."
• John Cheeks: He is a U.S. Congressional candidate for Washington DC, best known for his tireless advocacy on reparations.
• Donnell Cheeks: A former American football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League.

Other surnames

Cheek