Pike (surname)
Encyclopedia
Pike is a common family name
of English
origin.
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"). At the time of the British Census of 1881, its relative frequency was highest in Wiltshire
(7.3 times the British average), followed by Dorset
, Devon
, Somerset
, Berkshire
, Hampshire
, Nottinghamshire
, Gloucestershire
, the Channel Islands and Surrey
. It is interesting to note that the area of highest relative frequency corresponds roughly to the ancient Kingdom of Wessex and that the first six counties of highest relative frequency are totally identical with Thomas Hardy's Wessex
. Pike may thus with good reason be characterized as a "Wessex name".
Genealogists tracking the surname using DNA analysis have identified 46 "genetically different Pike family lines". The surname has many variations such as Pikes, Pykes, McPike, Picke, Pique along with Speight.
on physical attributes resembling Pike (the fish), an association with 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 (note, for instance, the usage of the word "pike" in the name of Scafell Pike
, England's highest mountain).
Family name
A family name is a type of surname and part of a person's name indicating the family to which the person belongs. The use of family names is widespread in cultures around the world...
of English
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
origin.
In the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, Pike is the 1138th most common surname (based on the 1990 census).
In England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales is a jurisdiction within the United Kingdom. It consists of England and Wales, two of the four countries of the United Kingdom...
, it is the 513th most common surname (based on a Sept 2002 database of the Office for National Statistics). In Newfoundland
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador is the easternmost province of Canada. Situated in the country's Atlantic region, it incorporates the island of Newfoundland and mainland Labrador with a combined area of . As of April 2011, the province's estimated population is 508,400...
, Pike is especially common, ranking 22nd among all surnames there (based on the 1955 voters list, as reported
by E.R. Seary
E.R. Seary
Edgar Ronald Seary was an educator and author of two influentially and important books regarding the history of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada....
in "Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland"). At the time of the British Census of 1881, its relative frequency was highest in Wiltshire
Wiltshire
Wiltshire is a ceremonial county in South West England. It is landlocked and borders the counties of Dorset, Somerset, Hampshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire. It contains the unitary authority of Swindon and covers...
(7.3 times the British average), followed by Dorset
Dorset
Dorset , is a county in South West England on the English Channel coast. The county town is Dorchester which is situated in the south. The Hampshire towns of Bournemouth and Christchurch joined the county with the reorganisation of local government in 1974...
, Devon
Devon
Devon is a large county in southwestern England. The county is sometimes referred to as Devonshire, although the term is rarely used inside the county itself as the county has never been officially "shired", it often indicates a traditional or historical context.The county shares borders with...
, Somerset
Somerset
The ceremonial and non-metropolitan county of Somerset in South West England borders Bristol and Gloucestershire to the north, Wiltshire to the east, Dorset to the south-east, and Devon to the south-west. It is partly bounded to the north and west by the Bristol Channel and the estuary of the...
, Berkshire
Berkshire
Berkshire is a historic county in the South of England. It is also often referred to as the Royal County of Berkshire because of the presence of the royal residence of Windsor Castle in the county; this usage, which dates to the 19th century at least, was recognised by the Queen in 1957, and...
, Hampshire
Hampshire
Hampshire is a county on the southern coast of England in the United Kingdom. The county town of Hampshire is Winchester, a historic cathedral city that was once the capital of England. Hampshire is notable for housing the original birthplaces of the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force...
, Nottinghamshire
Nottinghamshire
Nottinghamshire is a county in the East Midlands of England, bordering South Yorkshire to the north-west, Lincolnshire to the east, Leicestershire to the south, and Derbyshire to the west...
, Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire is a county in South West England. The county comprises part of the Cotswold Hills, part of the flat fertile valley of the River Severn, and the entire Forest of Dean....
, the Channel Islands and Surrey
Surrey
Surrey is a county in the South East of England and is one of the Home Counties. The county borders Greater London, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire and Berkshire. The historic county town is Guildford. Surrey County Council sits at Kingston upon Thames, although this has been part of...
. It is interesting to note that the area of highest relative frequency corresponds roughly to the ancient Kingdom of Wessex and that the first six counties of highest relative frequency are totally identical with Thomas Hardy's Wessex
Thomas Hardy's Wessex
The English author Thomas Hardy set all of his major novels in the south and southwest of England. He named the area "Wessex" after the medieval Anglo-Saxon kingdom that existed in this part of that country prior to the Norman Conquest. Although the places that appear in his novels actually exist,...
. Pike may thus with good reason be characterized as a "Wessex name".
Genealogists tracking the surname using DNA analysis have identified 46 "genetically different Pike family lines". The surname has many variations such as Pikes, Pykes, McPike, Picke, Pique along with Speight.
Derivation
The origins of the name are not entirely clear. Individuals may have adopted the surname basedon physical attributes resembling Pike (the fish), an association with Pike (the weapon)
Pike (weapon)
A pike is a pole weapon, a very long thrusting spear used extensively by infantry both for attacks on enemy foot soldiers and as a counter-measure against cavalry assaults. Unlike many similar weapons, the pike is not intended to be thrown. Pikes were used regularly in European warfare from the...
, or a turnpike
Toll road
A toll road is a privately or publicly built road for which a driver pays a toll for use. Structures for which tolls are charged include toll bridges and toll tunnels. Non-toll roads are financed using other sources of revenue, most typically fuel tax or general tax funds...
(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 (note, for instance, the usage of the word "pike" in the name of Scafell Pike
Scafell Pike
Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England at . It is located in Lake District National Park sometimes confused with the neighbouring Sca Fell, to which it is connected by the col of Mickledore...
, England's highest mountain).
Notable people with the surname "Pike"
- Albert PikeAlbert PikeAlbert Pike was an attorney, Confederate officer, writer, and Freemason. Pike is the only Confederate military officer or figure to be honored with an outdoor statue in Washington, D.C...
(1809–1891), American attorney, soldier, writer, and Confederate general - Alfred Pike (1917–2009), Canadian professional ice hockey player
- Anthony J. Pike (1934), Owner of Pikes International Resort, Ibiza
- Austin F. PikeAustin F. PikeAustin Franklin Pike was a United States Representative and Senator from New Hampshire. Born in Hebron, New Hampshire, he pursued an academic course, studied law, and was admitted to the bar of Merrimack County in 1845...
(1819–1886), United States senator - Bob Pike (1940–1999), Australian surfer
- Bob Pike (trainer) (1947–), American business trainer, entrepreneur and author
- Brian PikeBrian PikeBrian Pike is a British artist.In 1988 he was awarded a PhD in Philosophy by Cambridge University. Shortly thereafter he moved to Richmond, North Yorkshire, where he set up as a professional artist...
, British artist - Bronwyn PikeBronwyn PikeBronwyn Pike is an Australian politician. She was Minister for Education in Victoria in the Brumby Government, and is the State Member of Parliament for Melbourne.-Early life:...
(1956–), Australian politician - Burton PikeBurton PikeBurton Pike is professor emeritus of comparative literature and Germanic languages and literature at the CUNY Graduate Center. He received his Ph. D from Harvard University, and has also taught at the University of Hamburg, Cornell University, and Queens College and Hunter College of the City...
, professor of Comparative Literature - Chris PikeChris PikeChristopher "Chris" Pike is a Welsh former professional footballer. His clubs included Fulham, Cardiff City and Gillingham...
(1961–), Welsh footballer - Christopher Pike (author)Christopher Pike (author)Christopher Pike is the pseudonym of American author Kevin Christopher McFadden . He is a bestselling author of young adult and children's fiction, but whose expertise is in the thriller genre. The pseudonym Christopher Pike is allegedly a reference to the captain of the USS Enterprise in the Star...
, pseudonym of Kevin McFadden (1954–), American writer - Danny PikeDanny PikeDanny Pike is a British Radio DJ who hosted the Breakfast Show on Southern FM in Sussex, from 1991 until the station's rebranding as Heart FM. Before joining Southern FM, Pike worked for both County Sound Radio and Radio Mercury....
, British radio DJ - Dave PikeDave PikeDavid Samuel Pike is a jazz vibraphone player. He learned drums at the age of eight and is self-taught on vibes. He has also played marimba, particularly with Herbie Mann. Lionel Hampton, Milt Jackson, and Cal Tjader were early inspirations for him.Pike made his recording debut with the Paul Bley...
(1938–), American jazz musician - Frank Pike (soccer)Frank Pike (soccer)Frank Pike was a Canadian soccer player and Head coach.-Career:Frank Pike was born in Plymouth, England, and played in midfield as an amateur for hometown club Plymouth Argyle F.C-Coaching career:...
, Canadian soccer player - Geoff PikeGeoff PikeGeoff Pike is an English former footballer midfielder.Pike played his early football in Thurrock and later with Gidea Park Rangers. He joined West Ham United in 1975 and was a member of the side that reached the 1975 FA Youth Cup Final. He made his league debut on 6 March 1976 against Birmingham...
(1958–), English footballer - Geoffry Morgan PikeGeoffry Morgan Pike-Background and early years:Geoffrey Morgan Pike is a British-born, naturalized Australian writer and cartoonist. He was born in in Tottenham Middlesex, England on 17 October 1929. His parents are Mildred and Robert Pike. He has two siblings, Anthony J...
(1929–), Author and Cartoonist - James PikeJames PikeJames Albert Pike was an American Episcopal bishop, prolific writer, and one of the first mainline religious figures to appear regularly on television....
(1913–1969), American Episcopal bishop, Diocese of California - James Pike (politician)James Pike (politician)James Pike was a U.S. Representative from New Hampshire.-Biography:Born in Salisbury, Massachusetts, Pike pursued classical studies, then studied theology at Wesleyan University in Connecticut from 1837 to 1839. He served as a minister from 1841 to 1854. He moved to Pembroke, New Hampshire, in 1854...
, American congressman - James Shepherd PikeJames Shepherd Pike-Biography:He was born in Calais, Maine, was a journalist in the United States during the mid 19th century. From 1850-1860 he was the chief Washington correspondent and associate editor of the New York Tribune. The Tribune was the chief source of news and commentary for many Republican newspapers...
(1811–1882), journalist criticized for distorting Reconstruction era in South Carolina - Jay PikeJay PikeJacob Emanuel Pike was an outfielder who played in Major League Baseball during the 1877 season.-Baseball career:Pike batted and threw left-handed. He is credited as the first ballplayer named Jay to appear in a major league game...
, American baseball player - Jennifer PikeJennifer PikeJennifer Pike is a British violinist. In 2002, she became well known for winning the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition, and for six years she held the record of being the youngest winner, at twelve years of age.-Musical career:...
(1989–), British violinist - Jill PikeJill PikeJill Pike is an American political commentator and activist who currently serves as deputy director of public affairs for the think tank Third Way. Formerly, she was one of the hosts of the talk radio show The Young Turks on Air America Radio....
(1980–), American radio personality - Jim Pike, American singer
- John Pike (settler)John Pike (settler)John Pike was a founder of Woodbridge, New Jersey and a judge and politician of the early colony of New Jersey.-Early life and education:...
(1613–1688/1689), settler in Newbury, Massachusetts - Lt. John Pike, University of California Davis police department officer alleged to have used pepper spray on Occupy UC DavisOccupy UC DavisOccupy UC Davis is an ongoing series of Occupy Movement demonstrations at the University of California, Davis. It is distinguished from the off-campus but allied Occupy Davis. Occupy UC Davis gained international attention on November 18, 2011 after a video on YouTube went viral of University...
protesters - John E. PikeJohn E. PikeJohn E. Pike is a national security analyst and director and founder of GlobalSecurity.org. An easily accessible pundit, he was active in opposing the Strategic Defense Initiative, and International Traffic in Arms Regulations, and consulting on Near-Earth objects that are potential threats to the...
(1953–), American science writer and political consultant - J. Kevin Pike (1951–), American special effects supervisor and talent agent
- Jonathan PikeJonathan PikeJonathan Pike is an English painter.An architectural painter, primarily a watercolourist, he also paints in oils...
(1949–), British architectural painter - Kenneth L. PikeKenneth L. PikeKenneth Lee Pike , also known during his life as Ken Pike, was an American linguist and anthropologist. He was the originator of the theory of tagmemics and coiner of the terms "emic" and "etic".-Life:...
(1912–2000), American linguist and anthropologist - Lip PikeLip PikeLipman Emanuel "Lip" Pike the "Iron Batter", was one of the stars of 19th century baseball in the United States. He was the first player to be revealed as a professional , as well as the first Jewish player...
(1845–1893), American star of 19th century baseball, 4x home run champion - Dr. Magnus Pike (1908–1992), British scientist and TV personality
- Martin PikeMartin PikeMartin Pike is a former Australian Football League player who played with four clubs during 13 seasons...
(1972–), Australian Football League player - Mervyn PikeMervyn PikeIrene Mervyn Parnicott Pike, Baroness Pike, commonly known as Mervyn Pike, DBE was a British Conservative politician....
(1918–2004), British Dame of the Order of the British Empire - Natalie PikeNatalie PikeNatalie Pike is a British model, raised in Berwick-on-Tweed and Stockport in England, who won the Miss British Isles Competition and the FHM High Street Honeys competition in 2004.- Education :...
(1983–), English model, winner of the Miss British Isles Competition in 2004 - Otis G. PikeOtis G. PikeOtis Grey Pike is a retired Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives from New York.-Early life:...
(1921–), United States Democratic politician - Patrice PikePatrice PikePatrice Pike is an American singer, songwriter, and musician. She's been a professional musician and songwriter since she was sixteen. Billboard magazine proclaimed her "one of the finest up and coming contemporary rock singers in America"....
, American musician - Peter PikePeter PikePeter Leslie Pike is a Labour Party politician in the United Kingdom. He was a member of Parliament for Burnley from 1983 until 2005.- External links :...
(1937–), British politician, Member of Parliament (−2005), member of the Labour Party - Rob Pike (1956–), Canadian software engineer, worked at Bell Labs as a member of the Unix team, now works for Google
- Robert Pike (settler)Robert Pike (settler)-Early life and education:Pike was born in Wiltshire, England. He came to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1635 with his father, John Pike , who first settled in Newbury.-External Links:...
(1616–1706), settler in Newbury, Massachusetts - Rosamund PikeRosamund PikeRosamund Mary Elizabeth Pike is a British actress. Her film roles include villainous Bond girl Miranda Frost in Die Another Day, Jane Bennet in Pride and Prejudice, Helen in An Education, Lisa in Made in Dagenham, Miriam Grant-Panofsky in Barney's Version and Kate Sumner in Johnny English...
(1979–), British actress
- Samuel PikeSamuel Pike-Life:Pike was born about 1717 at "Ramsey, Wiltshire" , which may mean Ramsbury, Wiltshire but more probably Romsey, Hampshire . He was educated for the independent ministry, receiving his general training from John Eames of the Fund academy, and his theology from John Hubbard at Stepney academy....
(1717?–1773), English minister - Thomas PikeThomas PikeMarshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Thomas Geoffrey Pike GCB CBE DFC & Bar DL RAF was a senior officer in the Royal Air Force.-RAF career:...
(1906–1983), marshal of the Royal Air Force - William PikeWilliam PikeBlessed William Pike was an English Roman Catholic martyr who was beatified in 1987.Several sources state that William was born in Dorset. In 'A History of Dorset' A. Lindsay Clegg, former Town Clerk of Bournemouth, claims that Pike lived at Moordown, now within modern Bournemouth, then part of...
(−1591), Catholic martyr - Zebulon PikeZebulon PikeZebulon Montgomery Pike Jr. was an American officer and explorer for whom Pikes Peak in Colorado is named. As a United States Army captain in 1806-1807, he led the Pike Expedition to explore and document the southern portion of the Louisiana Purchase and to find the headwaters of the Red River,...
(1779–1813), American soldier and explorer for whom Pikes Peak is named
Fictional characters
- Christopher Pike (Star Trek)Christopher Pike (Star Trek)Christopher Pike is a character in the Star Trek franchise. He was portrayed by Jeffrey Hunter in the original Star Trek pilot episode, "The Cage", as captain of the USS Enterprise. The pilot was rejected, and the character was dropped during development of the second pilot when Hunter decided that...
- Ernie PikeErnie PikeErnie Pike is a comics series written by Héctor Germán Oesterheld and originally drawn by Hugo Pratt, featuring a World War II and Korean War reporter. It was first published in the magazine "Hora Cero" in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1957. The reporter, loosely based on the real reporter Ernie...
, in Argentinian comics novel, written by Hector German Oesterheld, drawn by Hugo Pratt - Private Frank PikePrivate Frank PikePrivate Frank Pike is a fictional Home Guard platoon member and junior bank clerk portrayed by Ian Lavender in the BBC television sitcom Dad's Army. He is frequently referred to by Captain Mainwaring as "stupid boy".- Personality :...
, naive young bank clerk and Home Guard private in Dad's Army and It Sticks Out Half a Mile - Joe Pike, Elvis Cole's partner in a series of private-eye novels by Robert CraisRobert CraisRobert Crais is an American author of detective fiction. Crais began his career writing scripts for television shows such as Hill Street Blues, Cagney & Lacey, Quincy, Miami Vice and L.A. Law. He lists amongst his literary influences the authors Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett, Ernest...
- Pike (Buffyverse character), in the movie version of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, played by Luke Perry
- WolfriderWolfriderThe Wolfriders are a tribe of elves on the World of Two Moons in the comic book Elfquest, created by Wendy and Richard Pini.Wolfrider is also the title of an Elfquest story featuring Bearclaw, in some respects the archetypal member of his tribe.-History:For many millennia the Wolfriders lived in a...
, pike-skilled male elf in the comic book Elfquest - Asa Pike, in Children of the Red King novels