According to "The Oxford Dictionary of English Surnames" Dawkins means 'Little David' from Dawe plus kin presumably from Old English. The earliest recorded name is Willelmus filius Daukyn (William, son of Daukyn) in 1332 from the Subsidy Rolls of Lancashire. Then a William Daukyn in the 13th Centruy in the Coucher Book or Chartulary of Whalley Abbey near Blackburn, Lancashire. Richard Daukyns is recorded in 1354 in the Assize Rolls of Staffordshire. Magister Dr Dawkyns recorded in 1534 in the Registers of the Guild of Corpus Christi in the City of York, identical to John Dakyn LL.D., vicar-general of York. The earliest Essex mention is from the Session Rolls of Essex dated Jan 1585 of John & William Dawkyn of Finchingfield.

The Project is open to anyone who is researching the Dawkins surname or variant regardless of which country you originate or live in. 
 
Participants will need to supply a sample of their yDNA. This can only be supplied by a male Dawkins. Female researchers will need to get a male Dawkins to supply a sample. 

To join the project go here if you have any questions take a look at the FAQs. You can also contact me by clicking the contact link at the bottom of the page.