Surname Dix - Meaning and Origin

Discovering Unexpected Roots: How iGENEA DNA Test Revealed Surprising Origins of my Dix Ancestry

Opening the long-hidden chapters of my genealogy through DNA tests with iGENEA, I discovered unexpectedly that my Dix ancestors, previously assumed to be purely of British descent, had strong connections to Scandinavia and a Jewish lineage. This has reshaped my self-understanding.

U. Dix

Dix: What does the surname Dix mean?

The last name Dix is of French origin and traces back to the ancient region of Languedoc, France. In French, the word 'dix' means 'ten'. The name could have been given to a tenth child, someone who lived at the tenth milestone on a road, or perhaps performed a job associated with the number ten. Variations of the surname Dix include Dix, Dics, Dictus, Dics and others, which were all derived from the old French word 'dix', which means 'ten'. It is also possible that in some circumstances the name may have been taken from a place or location name. The surname first surfaced in 1296 when Willelmus Dix was listed in the Subsidy Tax rolls of Sussex. Today, the name Dix is predominantly found in Europe, North America, and Australia.

Dix: Where does the name Dix come from?

The surname Dix has English, French, and German origins. In old English, it evolved as a paternal surname derived from the popular personal name 'Dick,' a diminutive form of 'Richard.' In middle English, Dix was often used as a nickname for 'Richard,' which gradually turned into a surname. Therefore, the name Dix is similar to Dickson or Dixon, meaning “Dick’s son.”

The French derivative of the surname Dix comes from the term “dix” meaning "ten," and was often assigned to the tenth child of a family or might have signified someone who lived at the number 10 of a given location.

In Germany, the name Dix may have emerged as a nickname for someone known as a 'dexterous' or 'right-handed' person.

Currently, Dix is not overly common but can be found in various parts of the world, largely in English-speaking countries. The highest frequency of the name is found in the United States, followed by England and Australia. It also appears in France, due to the French derivative, and in Germany, due to the German origin.

Variations of the surname Dix

The surname Dix has various derivations that are connected to multiple cultures. It originates from Old English (meaning 'ten'), Old German (referring to 'the ruler of the people'), and a personal name in Medieval French (Dix, meaning 'tenth', often given to a tenth child).

The different spellings for Dix include: Dixe, Dicks, Dixson, Dixon, Dicx, Dick, Dyx, Dycks, Dyckson, and Dyxon in English-speaking countries. Some variants, like Dixon, have become common surnames in their own right.

In relation to German connections, you may find names like Dietrich, Dietz, or Diederichs holding the same root meaning as Dix.

For French variations, one may encounter D'ix or De Dix as used habitually for denoting people from a particular area.

Dyxman, Dyxwoman, and Dyxchild are some Old English surnames signifying lineage derived from a bearer of the Dix surname.

Certain rare variants of the surname might also like include Dicxs, Deex, and Dixx. However, these are quite unusual and not commonly encountered.

Despite the different spellings and variants, all these surnames share common links to either of the cultures and hold related root meanings.

Famous people with the name Dix

• Dorothea Dix: A famous social reformer known for her work in mental health advocacy in the 19th century.
• Otto Dix: A renowned German painter and printmaker, noted for his ruthless and harsh depiction of Weimar society and the brutality of war.
• Richard Dix: A popular American actor in the early 20th century, best remembered for his roles in silent films.
• Dorothy Dix: The pen name of Elizabeth Meriwether Gilmer, who was one of the most widely read and highest paid women journalists of her era.
• Nelson W. Aldrich Jr., also known as Nelson Aldrich: A New England writer is known for his books about the wealthy and his memoir "Old Money: The Mythology of Wealth in America".
• Willie Dix: An American comedian, known for his work in stand-up comedy and his role in the TV show The Boondocks.
• Coco d'Este: An American singer, songwriter, and television personality, known for her work in R&B and hip-hop. Both genres play a significant role in her music.
• Sadie d'Este: An American actress and model, known for her work in independent films and her appearances in popular fashion magazines.
• Quincy d'Este: An American football player, known for his work as a wide receiver and his amazing athletic ability.

Other surnames

DixeDixitDixiusDixonDixson