Last Name Dickerson

The surname Dickerson is of English origin and is derived from a nickname for someone who was thought to be a clever, cunning, or shrewd person. It is derived from the Middle English words "dic" meaning tricky or cunning and "erson," which is an abbreviated form of "son" used as a suffix in occupational and nicknames. The name may have also been used as a metonymic occupational name for a messenger, from the Old Norse word "diokr," meaning messenger. It is most common in the southern United States and is a variant of Dickersen and Dicker.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Dickerson

The meaning and origin of the last name Dickerson

The surname Dickerson is of English origin, derived from the Middle English personal name Richard, which comes from the Germanic name Richari or Ricchar, composed of the elements ric (power, ruler) and hard (brave, hardy). It was a popular given name throughout the Middle Ages due to the fame of Saint Richard of Chichester, a bishop who lived during the 13th century. The surname Dickerson likely originated as a nickname for someone with a reputation similar to that of the saint, or for someone who shared his physical characteristics. Over time, it became hereditary and was brought to America by English settlers in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, Dickerson is a relatively common surname in the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Dickerson

The surname Dickerson is predominantly of English origin and has been widely distributed across several regions due to historical migrations. It's most concentrated in the United States, particularly in states with significant early English settlement such as Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Kentucky. Within the U.S., Dickerson can be found in both rural and urban areas, reflecting its long history in the country. In addition, the name is also present in other English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand due to immigration waves over the centuries. The surname can also be found in smaller numbers in other parts of the world where English-speaking populations have settled, such as South Africa and Ireland.

Variants and spellings of the last name Dickerson

The surname Dickerson can be found with various spelling variations over time and across different regions. Some common variants include Dikerson, Dickersen, Dikserson, Dickerson, and Dicersone. These variations may have originated due to differences in pronunciation, transcription errors, or regional dialects. In some cases, the name could also be a shortened form of Richardson or other similar names. Additionally, it's worth noting that the surname Dickerson is of English origin and is derived from a nickname meaning "the son of Dick" or "the dark one." The given name Dick itself has Germanic roots, derived from Theodoric or Dietrich, which mean "people's ruler" or "ruler of the people."

Famous people with the last name Dickerson

Notable individuals with the surname Dickerson include:

1. Thomas Sankara (originally named Blaise Compaoré Dicko), a Burkinabé revolutionary political leader who served as President of Burkina Faso from 1983 until his assassination in 1987.

2. Jelani Asar (born James A. Dickerson Jr.), an American author and scholar who focuses on African diaspora studies, Afrofuturism, and Hip Hop culture.

3. Renee Elise Goldsberry, an American actress and singer, best known for her roles in Broadway productions like Hamilton, The Color Purple, and A Little Night Music, as well as TV shows like Ally McBeal and One Life to Live.

4. George W. Dickerson, an American mathematician known for his work in partial differential equations, functional analysis, and the theory of smooth manifolds.

5. Bill Dickerson, a professional basketball player who played for teams such as the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia Warriors, and St. Louis Hawks during the 1950s and 1960s.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields like politics, academia, literature, and sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Dickerson

The Dickerson surname is of English origin, derived from a nickname meaning "son of Richard." The name emerged during the late Middle Ages and was primarily found in the northern parts of England, particularly Yorkshire. It is believed that the name's original bearers were either sons of a man named Richard or people noted for some characteristic associated with the name Richard, such as bravery or generosity.

The Dickerson family migrated to America in significant numbers during the 17th and 18th centuries, primarily settling in Virginia and the Carolinas. Some notable individuals bearing this surname include Thomas Dickerson, a signer of the United States Declaration of Independence from North Carolina, and David Dickerson, a prominent figure in early Florida history.

The Dickerson family expanded across the United States over time, with significant populations found today in states such as Tennessee, Kentucky, and Missouri. Variations of the name include Dixson, Dickinson, and Dickason. Genealogical research on the Dickerson surname remains an active field for historians and genealogists due to its long history and widespread presence.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Dickerson"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 27 July 2025

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