Stokes is an English surname and given name, deriving from the Middle English word 'stoc', meaning 'stock' or 'tree trunk'. It was originally an occupational name for a woodcutter or lumberjack. The name can also be associated with places called Stokes in England, such as Stokes by Clare in Suffolk and Stokesay in Shropshire. Stokes is of Anglo-Saxon origin and has been established in Britain since the early medieval period. Today, it remains a popular choice among families due to its strong, sturdy sound and historical roots.
The name Stokes has seen varied popularity over the years with peaks occurring around 1916-1922 and again from 2002 onwards, but overall it remains relatively uncommon as evidenced by the total of 177 births recorded since 1892.