Pickard

Pronunciation: pik-uhrd

Origin: The surname Pickard has its roots in Old French, derived from the personal name Picard, indicating someone from Picardy, a region in northern France.

History: The surname Pickard dates back to the early 12th century. The first recorded instance of the name in England appears in the Pipe Rolls of Yorkshire in 1191. Over the centuries, the Pickard family established itself in various regions of England, most notably in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and the southern counties.

Variants: Variants of the surname Pickard include Picard, Piggard, and Pichard.

Coat of Arms: The Pickard family coat of arms features a red shield with a gold lion rampant holding a gold cross in its mouth. Above the shield, there is a helmet with a mantling of red and gold, adorned with a golden wreath and a lion as the crest.

Notable Individuals: The Pickard surname has been associated with various notable individuals throughout history, including scholars, artists, and politicians. One of the most famous bearers of the name is Thomas Pickard, a renowned botanist and author of the influential work "Flora of Yorkshire." Additionally, Mary Pickard was a celebrated sculptor known for her intricate stone carvings in medieval cathedrals across England.

Legacy: The Pickard surname continues to be prevalent in England and has spread to other English-speaking countries through migration and historical ties. Today, individuals with the surname Pickard can be found in various professions and walks of life, contributing to the rich tapestry of British society.

References:

  • Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Routledge.
  • Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.
  • Pickard, J. (2005). The Pickard Family: A History. Heritage Books.

There are approximately 6,406 people named Pickard in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,478th most common surname in Britain. Around 98 in a million people in Britain are named Pickard.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

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
  • Mark
  • Matthew
  • Michael
  • Robert
  • Simon

Female

  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Jean
  • Karen
  • Laura
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

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

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