What does Stokes mean and where does it come from?
The name Stokes is an English surname that is derived from the Old English word 'stoc', meaning 'a place or farm'. It is originally a locational surname referring to someone from a place named Stokes. This surname is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 in England. Notable individuals with th
Cultural significance
Stokes has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a surname derived from 'stoc', meaning a place or farm.
Peak popularity
Reached #1064 in 1892 — currently #12048 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Stokes?
Stokes works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Stokes Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Stokes Rose
Floral · soft ending
Stokes Mae
Sweet · timeless
Stokes Claire
French influence · crisp
Stokes Jane
Literary · strong
Stokes Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Stokes right now?
Falling — down 1346 spots — currently #12048 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #12048 | 6 | ▼ down 1346 · -14% births |
| 2022 | #10702 | 7 | ▼ down 1965 · -22% births |
| 2021 | #8737 | 9 | ▲ up 1828 · +50% births |
| 2020 | #10565 | 6 | ▼ down 6480 · +20% births |
| 1930 | #4085 | 5 | ▼ down 1065 · -44% births |
| 1920 | #3020 | 9 | — |
The story of Stokes
Stokes has been a beloved American name for over 132 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1892. With 155 total births recorded, Stokes remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3020 in 1920, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #12048 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Stokes in 1892:
Stokes by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 6 | |
| 1900s | 5 | |
| 1910s | 28 | |
| 1920s ★ | 44 | |
| 1930s | 18 | |
| 1940s | 18 | |
| 2000s | 25 | |
| 2010s | 5 | |
| 2020s | 6 | |
💎Stokes has only 155 total recorded births since 1892 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Stokes?
Common
StoStokStokieStokyOkes
What names sound and feel like Stokes?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Stokes also consider these
Common questions about the name Stokes
What does the name Stokes mean?
Stokes means "a surname derived from 'stoc', meaning a place or farm" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Stokes?
Stokes is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Stokes?
Stokes originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Stokes?
Stokes is a one-syllable name pronounced S T OW1 K S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Stokes sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Stokes flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Stokes ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.