Recorded in a number of spelling forms including Dach, Dachs, Taks (German), Das (Dutch and Flemish) and Dack, Dax, and Tax, an Anglo-Saxon form of the original pre 7th century German. However spelt this is a surname of early medieval origins, and almost certainly derives from the word 'dachs' meaning a badger. As such it formerly described somebody known for their nocturnal habits (!), or one who had the unusual physical feature of a streak of white or fair hair among the black. In England the surname is particularly associated with East Anglia, which also happens to be the coastline closest to Germany.
What is certain is that this is one of the earliest surnames to be recorded particularly in Germany, Ulrich Dach being given as being a citizen of Pfullendorf in the year 1220. In England Alexander Dacke was recorded in the Hundred Rolls of Norfolk for the year 1273, and Simon Dack was the rector of Brampton in Norfolk in 1404. Some fifteen percent of all surnames are definately from nicknames, and many researchers believe that the percentage is much higher. The medieval period which saw the formation and implementation of most surnames, was also a period of very robust attitudes, the giving of nicknames being almost a national sport. Many nicknames were very crude, and these have died out, those remaining being clearly regarded as complimentary.
Research into the possible origins of dacks leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname. The origin, the coat of arms or the different heraldic shields, and the bibliography in which the surname dacks is mentioned are part of this exciting investigation.
There is a considerable probability that dacks has crossed the borders of its place of origin to establish itself, to a greater or lesser extent, in other parts of the world. With all the information we have today, it can be said that the countries where dacks is most abundant are the following. The list of countries with a higher presence of people with the surname dacks provides us with a perspective on the history of the surname, beyond its origins, focusing on its migrations.
The deeds, the way of life, the places they lived, the family relationships they had, the jobs they held by those who were the first to be named dacks are found in every look back in the history of this lineage. For those like you, who are interested in the history hidden behind the surname dacks, it is essential to find all kinds of information, both direct and tangential, that helps to construct a solid narrative of how the birth and expansion of dacks developed.
It is common for genealogy and surname enthusiasts to provide us with information of special value, so the data we offer about the origins of dacks could be modified. We keep our website updated through our own research and also thanks to contributions from people like you, after verification; so if you have information about dacks and send it to us, we will update it on this website.
We assume that there have been significant contributions to humanity made by individuals with the surname dacks, even though not all have been documented to our present day. Sadly, not all the contributions of those who bore the surname dacks were recorded by the chroniclers of the time.
The bibliography collects information related to the surname dacks, which allows us to learn more about its meaning. The origin, history, coat of arms or different coats of arms, and the heraldry of dacks are recorded in a wide variety of sources and documents that are essential to know for better compilation.
These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of dacks, and at the same time, of surnames in general.