Parkes
Word name
"park-keeper"
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By Nameberry
Updated Wed Mar 19 2025
Parkes Origin and Meaning
The name Parkes is a boy's name.
Parkes is a masculine name that originated as a surname derived from the Old French word "parc," meaning an enclosed area of land or a park. Historically, it would have designated someone who worked in or lived near a park or enclosed forest, often on noble estates. As a first name, Parkes is extremely uncommon, representing the modern trend of transforming surnames into given names. The name has a distinguished British feel with its ending 's' giving it a somewhat formal quality. The single syllable makes it concise and strong, while the uncommon spelling with the 'e' adds a touch of uniqueness. While rare as a first name, Parkes offers an understated elegance for parents seeking something distinctive yet connected to English heritage.