Discover people named Jane Banks

The last name "Banks" has its origins in England, deriving from the Middle English word "banke," which refers to a riverbank or hillside, indicating a geographical feature where the original bearers of the name may have lived or worked. The name is thought to have first appeared in the medieval period, particularly in regions near rivers or elevated land, and it often denoted individuals who resided near such landscapes. The meaning of "Banks" is closely tied to these natural features, suggesting a connection to the land and possibly to occupations related to agriculture or fishing. Variations of the surname can be found in different cultures, including "Bankes" and "Bancroft" in England, as well as "Banca" in Italian contexts, reflecting regional adaptations in spelling and pronunciation. The name has also been adopted in various forms across the globe, often retaining its association with natural landscapes. Overall, the surname Banks encapsulates a rich historical connection to the environment and the livelihoods of those who carried it.