Pickering

Origin and Meaning

Pickering is a surname of English origin, derived from a habitational name referring to places in England named Pickering. The name is believed to have originated from the Old English words "pic" meaning point or hill, and "eringas" meaning people living near a hill.

History and Distribution

The Pickering surname has ancient origins, with records dating back to the 11th century in Yorkshire, England. It is believed that the Pickering family were significant landholders in the region. The name has spread beyond England and can also be found in countries with historical ties to the United Kingdom, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Notable People

  • Edward Charles Pickering (1846-1919): An American astronomer known for his pioneering work in the field of astronomy, including his development of the Harvard Classification Scheme.

  • Tim Pickering: A British racing driver who has competed in various motorsport events, including Formula One and the World Endurance Championship.

Coat of Arms

The Pickering coat of arms features a red shield with three silver pickaxes arranged vertically. This design symbolizes strength, determination, and industriousness.

Modern-Day Popularity

The Pickering surname continues to be relatively common in England and throughout the English-speaking world, with many individuals proudly bearing this ancestral name.

There are approximately 19,184 people named Pickering in the UK. That makes it the 450th most common surname in Britain. Around 295 in a million people in Britain are named Pickering.

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

  • Alan
  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Angela
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Joanne
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • 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.