Surname Peak - Meaning and Origin

Discovering the Peaks and Valleys of My Ancestral Journey with iGENEA DNA Analysis

After venturing into an exploration of my DNA with iGENEA, my lineage was revealed to be steeped in history. My surname 'Peak' traversed from a mere family identifier to an epic saga, featuring early Anglo-Saxon roots and Viking intersections. This extraordinary test unveiled an intimate understanding of my ancestral journey, showcasing humankind's resilience throughout history.

B. Peak

Peak: What does the surname Peak mean?

The surname Peak is of English origin and is both topographical and locational. Topographically, it derives from the Old English word "peac," referring to a hill or a peak, indicating that the original bearers of the name dwelt or worked in such a place. Locationally, the name could also refer to someone who came from the Peak District in Derbyshire or from a town named Peak in Surrey or Sussex. The Peak District was known in the Middle Ages as the "Peaclond," meaning the "land of peaks". Therefore, the surname Peak typically refers to someone who resided in or originated from an area known for its prominent peak, hill, or highland, or someone who inhabited specific places named Peak. It can also be linked to the Medieval English personal name, Peak, a diminutive of the name Peter.

Peak: Where does the name Peak come from?

The last name Peak is common throughout the United Kingdom, particularly in England and Wales. It is thought to have first originated in the area now known as the county of Norfolk in East Anglia. Peak is also quite common in Scotland, Ireland and parts of North America, particularly in the United States and Canada.

The name Peak is thought to have been derived from the Old English place name ‘peak’ which was associated with a hill or hillock. As a surname Peak is also thought to originate from the French given name ‘Pépin’ – the diminutive form of ‘Pierre’ (Peter). It is possible that immigrants of French origin with the name peak are a significant factor for the similarity between the surnames Peak, Peake, Peck and Peeke.

Peak is a relatively common last name today, but it is not particularly widespread. In England and Wales, there are just over 14,000 people with the name Peak and in Scotland there are around 700 people with the name Peak. Similarly, in the United States and Canada there are approximately 30,000 people with the name Peak.

In recent years the last name Peak has been used to name several places around the world, most noticeably in the United States and the United Kingdom. The Peak District in Northern England has been named after the Peak family, who are thought to have owned land and property in the area since the Middle Ages. Similarly, the Peak District National Park, also located in England, is named after the same family. In the United States, Peak’s Causeway, a 4.2 mile long mountain highway in the Appalachians, was named Peak after the local Peak family.

Overall, the last name Peak is still relatively common today, but it is concentrated in few certain areas.

Variations of the surname Peak

The surname Peak is derived from the Old English word “Pic,” which means pole, post, or stake. This could be a reference to a geographical feature, such as a peak, or it could have been a working name given to a carpenter who worked with such materials. Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for Peak include Peake, Peek, Peakman, Peakman, Peache, Pyke, Pykeman, and Pikeman.

Peake is the most common form of the surname. This variant is said to derive from the French word “paix,” meaning peace. This suggests that persons bearing this name were pacifists, or involved in the profession of diplomacy.

The spelling of Peek is derived from the Dutch verb “pieken," meaning to peak or appear. This could be a reference to someone who was able to spot things quickly and accurately, or it may be derived from the word itself.

Peakman is derived from the old English words “pican” and “mann,” meaning peak man, or someone who lived in a peak or on the top of a hill. This could refer to someone who was high-ranking in a family or community, or who lived in a particularly impressive location.

Peache is also derived from the Old English “Pic” and “ce” meaning enclosure or storehouse. It may refer to someone who worked as a custodian of property, stores or grain.

Pyke and Pykeman is derived from “pie,” an old English word for pitchfork, and “mann,” suggesting a job of farming or related occupation.

Finally, Pikeman is derived from “piek,” a Dutch word for wood, and “mann,” suggesting a similar profession.

Famous people with the name Peak

• Erich von Stroheim (Austrian actor, director, producer, and screenwriter)
• Rashida Jones (American actress, director, producer, and musician)
• Michelle Pfeiffer (American actress and producer)
• Antoine Fuqua (American film director)
• Kim Wayans (American actress and comedian)
• Harvey Keitel (American actor and producer)
• Clive Owen (English actor)
• Rob Marshall (American film director, choreographer and theatre director)
• Stanley Jordan (American jazz musician)
• John Oates (American singer, songwriter, and guitarist)
• Kyra Sedgwick (American actress and producer)
• R. Lee Ermey (American actor and voice actor)
• Paul Newman (American actor, film director, entrepreneur and philanthropist)
• Billy Barty (American actor)
• James Stewart (American actor and military officer)
• Jerry Peak (American basketball player)
• Shaundra Peak (American wheelchair basketball player)
• Carla Peak-Fergus (American chef and restaurateur)
• Bronson Peak (American film producer)
• Darryl Peak (American figure skater)

Other surnames

PeacePeachPeacheePeacherPeachesPeacheyPeachyPeacockPeadenPealPealingPealonPearPearcePearceyPearlPearlmanPearlsteinPearlsweigPearlzveigPearmanPearsPearsallPearsePearsenPearsonPearsonettPearsonettePearsonsPeartree