Surname Dickinson - Meaning and Origin

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Q. Dickinson

Dickinson: What does the surname Dickinson mean?

The last name Dickinson is an English patronymic surname derived from the Anglo-Saxon forms Dick and Diccon. It is derived from a diminutive of the personal name Richard which is derived from Germanic elements meaning ‘powerful’ and ‘ruler’. The personal name Richard was popular during the Middle Ages and is found in England as early as the 11th century. The name was used as a given name throughout the English speaking world. As a surname, Dickinson is the 45th most common last name in the United States.

The Dickinson family are known to have originated in Cheshire, England but branched out to Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Durham. Dickinson is also listed as a variant of Dickson, another English surname popular from the 15th century onwards.

The Dickinson surname has a strong impact throughout history. In the United States, Emily Dickinson is a popular poet whose works and life is widely studied in the literary world. Other prominent figures include well-known film director Ang Lee and Andy Kaufman, an American comedian and actor.

The name Dickinson can be seen on a person’s history or their achievements, connecting them with a rich tradition and legacy. Though its origin is thousands of years ago, the name carries a sense of dignity and is often used to honour ancestors and those who have gone before us.

Dickinson: Where does the name Dickinson come from?

The last name Dickinson is a common surname within the United States, with some of the highest concentrations being found in Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, Virginia, and Massachusetts. Many other countries are also home to, and have been historically home to, people bearing the last name Dickinson. Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Ireland all have been home to a number of families with the last name Dickinson. The name was most likely Anglo-Saxon, derived from the Middle English word ‘dickin’ meaning a small bird.

In the US, the highest concentration of the Dickinson family name is found in Ohio. According to the 2010 Census, there are nearly 10,000 people with the last name Dickinson living in Ohio. Michigan also has the second-highest concentration in the US, with over 6,000 individuals with that name in the state. As for other parts of the US, the name is spread out and found in many different states. Virginia, Massachusetts, Kentucky, and Indiana are all found to have over 1,000 people with the last name Dickinson living there.

The last name Dickinson is also scattered around the world. Dickinson families can be found in many places, like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and the UK. For instance, Canada is home to over 500 families with the last name Dickinson, according to the 2011 Census. Similarly, Australia, Ireland, and the United Kingdom all share the same percentage of Dickinson families compared to the US.

Overall, the last name Dickinson is very common today, dispersed around the world and found in many countries and regions. Although the origin of the name is not certain, it is likely it has Anglo-Saxon roots, derived from the Middle English term ‘dickin’. It is most common in Ohio and Michigan, but it is also present in many other states and countries.

Variations of the surname Dickinson

The surname Dickinson has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. These are:

Dickinsson –alternative spelling for Dickinson, with two “s” for the “son” ending.

Dickson –the Scottish form of Dickinson, derived from the patronymic “son of Dick”.

Dixon –another variant of Dickson, with the same meaning and origin.

Dicksonn –alternative spelling for Dickson, with two “s” for the “son” ending.

Dickens –the surname usually associated with the famous writer Charles Dickens, which is similar to Dickinson, but with a different origin.

Dickinsonne –an uncommon variant of Dickinson, with the “ne” ending that was common in 16th century surnames.

Dicken –shortened form of the surname, as in surnames like “Hickman” and “Wilkinson”.

Dickerson –early variation of Dickinson that is sometimes used as an alternate spelling.

Dickten –less common variation of Dickinson, with the same meaning and origin.

Dickrin –a rare form of Dickinson, more commonly seen in Ireland and the British Isles.

The surname Dickinson is an occupational name, derived from the Old English words “dic” and “tun”, which mean “ditch” and “enclosure”, respectively. This is because Dickinson was originally used to refer to someone who owned or managed a ditch or enclosure. The surname originated in the Middle Ages and is most commonly found in England and Scotland.

Famous people with the name Dickinson

• Emily Dickinson: American poet (1830–1886)
• Angie Dickinson: American actress (1931–)
• Nigel Dickinson: British author and entrepreneur (1960–)
• Robert Dickinson: British television presenter and thoracic surgeon (1957–)
• Bruce Dickinson: British singer and songwriter (1958-)
• Hal Dickinson: American actor (1900–1965)
• Emily Dickinson Booth: American biologist (1901–1990)
• Richard Austin Dickinson: American editor and journalist (1843–1910)
• Susanna Dickinson: American frontierswoman (1814–1883)
• Christiana Dickinson: American reformer (1811–1880)
• Edward Dickinson: American poet and clergyman (1803–1874)
• Emily Elizabeth Dickinson: American author and businesswoman (1840–1923)
• Harry Austin Dickinson: American military officer (1848–1907)
• Edward J. Dickinson: American banker and politician (1885–1964)
• Rollin Dickinson: American military officer (1870–1924)
• Daniel Dickinson: New York lawyer, politician, and railroad executive (1816–1902)
• Elijah Dickinson: American soldier and university president (1793–1877)
• Oren Arnold Dickinson: American writer and communications consultant (1908–1998)
• Joe S. Dickinson: American politician and businessman (1866–1943)
• Joseph H. Dickinson: American Civil War soldier and Medal of Honor recipient (1846–1926)

Other surnames

Dickins