Summary

The surname Polk is of Scottish origin, derived from the Old English word 'polc' meaning 'small body of standing water'. It is believed to have been used to describe individuals who lived near a small pool or pond. The surname has a rich history dating back to medieval times, and several prominent figures have carried the Polk name.
There are
27094
Polks in the USA
Polk is the
1296th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Polk

JamesK.

James K. Polk was the 11th President of the United States, serving from 1845 to 1849. He is known for his territorial expansion policies, including the annexation of Texas and the acquisition of California and the Southwest.

SarahChildress

Sarah Childress Polk was the First Lady of the United States from 1845 to 1849, as the wife of President James K. Polk. She played an active role in her husband's political career and was known for her intelligence and influence.

LeonardPolk

Leonard Polk was an American football player and coach. He played college football at the University of Virginia and later served as the head coach at various universities, including the University of North Carolina and Georgia Tech.

GiffordPinchot

Gifford Pinchot was an American forester and politician who served as the first Chief of the United States Forest Service and as the Governor of Pennsylvania. He was a leading figure in the American conservation movement.

ChanningPollock

Channing Pollock was an American playwright and critic. He achieved success with his plays, including 'The Fool' and 'The Enemy,' and also worked as a drama critic for various newspapers.

JacksonPollock

Jackson Pollock was an influential American painter known for his unique style of drip painting. He was a leading figure in the abstract expressionist movement and is considered one of the most important artists of the 20th century.

OliverPollock

Oliver Pollock was an Irish-American businessman and patriot who played a significant role in financing the American Revolutionary War. He is credited with creating the '$' symbol and was a successful merchant and plantation owner.

LloydPolen

Lloyd Polen was an American basketball player who played in the NBA for the Philadelphia Warriors and the Minneapolis Lakers. He was known for his scoring ability and was a key player on championship-winning teams.

Polkolbin

Polkolbin is a fictional character from the popular children's book series 'Harry Potter,' written by J.K. Rowling. Polkolbin is a flash-mindreading elf who assists the main characters in their adventures.

Polka

Polka is a type of dance and music originating in the Czech Republic. It is characterized by its lively rhythm and skipping steps and is popular in many European countries and among various ethnic communities.

Polk Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Polk' is a variant of the name 'Polka,' which is of Czech origin. It is derived from the word 'polka,' meaning 'half' or 'half-step,' which refers to the dance style. The name likely originated as a nickname for someone associated with the dance.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Polk' is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the southern states like Tennessee and North Carolina, where President James K. Polk was from. It is also present in other English-speaking countries, such as Canada and Australia.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Polk' include 'Polke,' 'Polka,' and 'Poulk.'
Migration and ImmigrationThe name 'Polk' has been carried by immigrants from Czechia and their descendants, particularly to the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The name is also found among Czech communities in other countries.