This study aims to explore the earliest occurrences of the Sykes name and trace its distribution through the medieval period up to the seventeenth century. The lack of comprehensive birth, marriage and death records prior to this date make reconstruction of individual genealogical lines almost impossible, so inevitably it is more of a socio-demographic study than a conventional family history, although where data permits individuals and their clusters will be identified. The author would like to expand this into a co-operative study by partnering with other  researchers interested in tracing and linking to Sykes genealogical lines from the present time to the early modern period. Interested individuals are invited to contact the author directly.

The author previously studied with the late Professor David Hey (University of Sheffield) and had personal discussions with the late Dr George Redmonds, both of whom were leading authorities on family and local history. He is greatly indebted to the wisdom and generosity of both.

Common early variants include Syke, Sike, Sikes, Sickes and Syk, often prefaced by "del" or "of the", "at the" and occasionally "by the". They occur in both singular and plural forms. Invariably when these appear in secondary publications they are translations from latin texts some degree  may reflect the transcriber's preferences. It is not unusual to find several versions within a single document. By the sixteenth century the prefix is in decline.

The study will look at common theories of topographic origins and pose some alternatives to accepted definitions.

Sykes belongs to the group of topographical surnames, originating from an early English word "sike" for a stream or water course. These vary from mountain streams to lowland boundary ditches. The term was used widely in England and to a lesser degree in Scotland but appears to be more prevalent in the north of England. 

Early examples of the surname occur sporadically across England from Norfolk to Durham but are most prevalent in West Yorkshire and the adjacent counties of Lancashire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

The study will consider different interpretations of this term and assess geographical variations.

Most medieval Sykes appear to have been farmers or land-workers, with some practising the dual economy as clothiers. Few came to regional or national prominence until the 1570's when one branch  became leading cloth merchants and Aldermen in Leeds. They were the subject of the first known Sykes pedigree, albeit somewhat fanciful. The study will examine this pedigree and assess options and interpretations of the data.

Sykes were present in London  and Essex by at least the early seventeenth century. The London branch describe themselves as "merchants" and some achieved status as minor public officials. The study will assess possible links between the London and Leeds Sykes and look at the potential supporting role of the Wentworth family.

Several Sykes entered the clergy in the medieval period, at least one of them making a significant contribution to post-reformation Christian scholarship at Jesus College, Cambridge. Their origins will be traced where possible and links established to known ancestors.

A Sykes branch had emigrated to America by the mid-seventeenth century. Their onward progression is beyond the current limits of this study but it is hoped the English origins of these settlers will be determined.

Sykes is an overwhelmingly Yorkshire name, specifically focused in the West Riding and the sub-district known as Agbrigg Wapentake. There is superficial evidence suggesting early Sykes in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Lancashire may have originated in Yorkshire. These matters will be investigated in the study.

Occasional early recordings in other counties may have independent origins, but see DNA discussion below.

By the seventeenth century population movements took Sykes individuals across the nation and included some migrants to America, however the prevalence remains in Yorkshire.

The author has consulted both primary and secondary sources of medieval records including taxation returns, manor court rolls, estate returns, deeds, wills and other legal records. Primary sources can be scattered across county record offices, PRO, academic institutions and historical membership organisations. Most of these have published many transcriptions including documents that are now indecipherable or no longer extant. For this study the author has, amongst other sources, recorded every Sykes entry in the Yorkshire Archaeological Society Journals and Record Series, all wills recorded in the Archbishop of York's see (half of England) and online entries from the PRO. 

For the period 1538-1620 extensive analysis of online parish records (Find My Past etc) enables a degree of family reconstruction and puts the Yorkshire records to be seen in a national context. The current study culminates with analysis of the 1670's Hearth Tax returns which, despite its well discussed inadequacies, presents one of the most comprehensive place/surname profiles prior to the 1841 Census.

Sykes has the distinction of being the name that kick-started DNA surname studies back in the year 2000 when Professor Brian Sykes declared that all modern Sykes males derived their ancestry from a single Sykes male alive in fifteenth century West Yorkshire. This claim has subsequently been criticised and modified but still retains currency amongst many internet researchers. This author, from a purely historic perspective, questions Professor Sykes' conclusions and invites other researchers to join the discussion about origin, variants and clusters. Sykes researchers with insight into DNA themes would be particularly welcome as study partners.

The author is developing a blog to investigate these subjects and invites contributions to the discussions.

Sam Sykes,

sam.sykes@one-name.org