Derrick

Derrick is an Anglo-Saxon surname that is of Medieval English origin. The name is derived from the pre-7th Century Olde English personal name "Derrick," also spelt as "Deri," meaning "the people's ruler" or "the king of the tribe."

Origins

The surname Derrick is believed to have been first recorded in England in the early 13th Century. The name may have originated as a nickname or as a patronymic, signifying the son of someone named Derrick. Over time, the name spread to various parts of England.

Distribution

The surname Derrick is distributed throughout the United Kingdom, with concentrations in historical regions such as Cornwall, Devon, and London. It is often found in counties where mining, agriculture, and maritime industries were prevalent.

Notable Bearers

  • Clive Derrick: A British actor known for his work in theatre and television.
  • Valerie Derrick: A British author and poet who gained prominence for her literary works.

Variants

Variants of the surname Derrick include Derick, Derryck, Deryck, and Derrik.

References

  • Reaney, Percy H. and Wilson, Richard M. A Dictionary of English Surnames. Routledge, 2005.
  • Lower, Mark Anthony. Patronymica Britannica: A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. J.R. Smith, 1860.

There are approximately 3,951 people named Derrick in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,364th most common surname in Britain. Around 61 in a million people in Britain are named Derrick.

Surname type: From given name or forename

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Stephen

Female

  • Alison
  • Claire
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Jacqueline
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.