Skip Ancestry main menuMain MenuAncestry
HomeTreesSearchDNAHelpExtras
Sign In
Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
  • Support Centre
  • Ancestry Blog
  • About Us
  • Site Map
  • Gift Memberships
  • Careers
    • Ancestry Corporate
    • Fold3.com
    • ForcesWarRecords.com
    • Geneanet.org
    • Newspapers.com
    • ProGenealogists.com
    • RootsWeb.com
  • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
  • Privacy
  • Cookies
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
Group of people

Meaning of the first name Hawke

Origin

English

Meaning

Falcon or Hawk-like in Nature

Variations

Hawkeye, Fawke, Hanke
The first name Hawke originates from the English word for a bird of prey, specifically a falcon or a hawk-like creature. The name is derived from the Old English term hafoc, which denotes a bird known for its keen eyesight and hunting prowess. As a given name, Hawke often embodies traits associated with these birds, such as strength, agility, and a fierce independence.

Historically, the name Hawke has roots in medieval England, where bird names were commonly adopted as surnames, particularly among families involved in falconry. The name's association with nobility is notable, as hawking was a sport of the aristocracy, giving rise to the adoption of such names in noble lineages. Over time, Hawke evolved from a surname into a first name and has been used by various notable figures throughout history, including military leaders and literary characters.

In contemporary society, Hawke has gained popularity as a first name and is chosen for its strong, distinctive sound and nature-related connotations. It is often associated with a sense of adventure and freedom, appealing to parents seeking a unique name for their children. Hawke also appears in various forms of media, including films, literature, and music, further cementing its place in modern culture as a symbol of resilience and tenacity.

Based on our records...

Hubbs

This is the most common surname associated with Hawke.

Abigail

This is the most common name of those married to a Hawke.

Annie

This is the most common name for a child of a Hawke.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

What are you curious about?

Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
Start a free trial
Order AncestryDNA
Based on our records...

Did you know?

1646 is when there were the most people born with the first name Hawke.

Explore the origins of another name.