Guild of One-Name Studies
One-name studies, Genealogy
Study: Pike
Variants: Pikes, Pyke, Pykes
Category: 1 - A study where research using core genealogical datasets and transcriptions is in its early stages.
Website: www.math.mun.ca/~dapike/family_history/pike
DNA website: www.math.mun.ca/~dapike/family_history/pike/DNA
Contact: Dr David Pike
Currently the main thrusts of the study are to gather information about the PIKE surname and its variants (such as by transcribing wills from the Prerogative Court of Canterbury and gathering photos of PIKE gravestones and monuments) and to conduct a genetic survey of PIKE lineages around the world.
As part of the study, we are eager to have men with the surname PIKE or one of its variants join the PIKE DNA Project so that the genetic profile for their lineage can be determined and compared with others. If you know of any PIKE or PYKE men who may be willing to spare a few cheek cells, then please ask them to get in touch.
The earliest known reference to the PIKE surname involves an Aelfric PIKE who is listed in the Domesday Book in Devon in 1086.
In 1311, a Sir Richard PIKE was present at Pedwell Manor near Aschott, Somerset. Sir Richard's family was also involved with Moorlinch Manor in the parish of Moorlinch.
In 1332, a Nicholas PIKE was sheriff of London.
In 1440, a Thomas PIKE was sheriff of London.
In 1549, a William PIKES was mayor of Bristol.
In 1562, a John PIKES was mayor of Bristol.
In 1584, a Walter PIKES was mayor of Bristol.
In 1693, a William PIKE was mayor of Poole (he had previously been sheriff in 1689).
In England and Wales, PIKE 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 his book 'Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland').
In the United States, PIKE is the 1138th most common surname (based on the 1990 census).
The PIKE surname has historically tended to be most common in the English West Country, especially in the counties of Devon, Somerset and Wiltshire.
A map showing the 1881 distribution of the PIKE surname in Great Britain is shown near the top of this webpage. For a larger version that offers better viewing, click here.
An ever-growing collection of information about the PIKE surname can be found on the website of David PIKE, who is coordinating the PIKE One-Name Study. Noteworthy among this collection are:
With the help of the Guild, David has also been able to gather information on PIKE marriages in the UK between 1837 and 1911 for several registration districts.
David also has electronic access to many census records from Canada, the UK and the USA.
A DNA Project for the PIKE surname and its variants was started in 2004 and now has over 275 participants. The project is global in scope. Using the Y-DNA results from PIKE/PYKE men, we have so far found evidence of over twenty genetically distinct (and therefore not directly paternally related) PIKE/PYKE family lines. Approximately 25% of all project members have been found to belong to one large PIKE/PYKE family that appears to have its origins in the vicinity of Hampshire and Wiltshire. To view the details of each PIKE/PYKE genetic cluster, including a map showing their geographic origins, please refer to the DNA project's page for Test Results.
A map showing the origins of those Pike lines represented within the DNA project can be viewed by clicking here
We are keen to have as many PIKE/PYKE lineages represented as possible. If you are a PIKE/PYKE then please consider yourself welcome to participate so that the Y-DNA of your line is included. Likewise, please feel free to contact us for more information. Some newcomers to our project (particularly those from the British Isles) may be eligible for some subsidy of the cost of the DNA analysis (some more details about such sponsorships can be found on our How to Join page). Note that the process of DNA collection involves a painless cheek swab which is then sent by post for analysis.
We also encourage those with an interest in the PIKE/PYKE name to subscribe to the Pike DNA Blog.
TV Interview with David Pike
PIKE Genealogy Forum
PIKE Message Board at ancestry.com
PIKE Coats of Arms