Picken

The surname Picken is of English origin and is locational in nature, deriving from the Old English term "pic", meaning a hill or pointed eminence. This surname is prevalent in various regions of the United Kingdom, with concentrations in areas such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and London.

Origins

The Picken surname is believed to have originated in medieval England, where individuals were often identified by the place they hailed from. It is likely that the name Picken was used to denote someone who lived near or on a prominent peak or hill. Over time, the surname became hereditary and was passed down through generations.

Distribution

The distribution of the Picken surname is widespread across different regions in the United Kingdom. Historical records indicate a notable presence of individuals bearing the Picken surname in counties such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and London. Migration and societal changes have led to the dispersal of the name to other parts of the country and beyond.

Notable Individuals

  • Sir Thomas Picken (1781–1832) – A prominent British military officer known for his service in various military campaigns.
  • Dr. Eleanor Picken (1925–2007) – An accomplished British scientist and researcher in the field of biology, renowned for her contributions to genetic studies.

Variants

Over time, variations of the surname Picken have emerged, including Pickens and Pickin. These variants may have evolved due to regional accents, phonetic spelling, or transcription errors in historical records.

Legacy

The Picken surname carries a legacy of resilience, achievement, and contributions to various fields in British society. Despite its relatively modest prevalence, individuals bearing this surname have made notable impacts in areas such as academia, military service, and the arts.

In contemporary times, the surname Picken continues to be passed down through familial lines, preserving a connection to the heritage and history of its bearers.

There are approximately 2,254 people named Picken in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,809th most common surname in Britain. Around 35 in a million people in Britain are named Picken.

Surname type: Diminutive

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

  • Alan
  • Andrew
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Robert
  • Thomas
  • William

Female

  • Ann
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Gillian
  • Janet
  • Jean
  • Jennifer
  • Julie
  • Linda
  • Margaret
  • Nicola
  • 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.