Last Name Dikkers

The surname Dikkers is of Dutch and German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "dikker" meaning thick or strong, and the Dutch word "dicker," which means the same. This surname may have been used to describe someone with a robust physique or personality. Over time, it has been anglicized as Dikers or Dickers in English-speaking countries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Dikkers

The meaning and origin of the last name Dikkers

The surname Dikkers is of Dutch origin, derived from the Dutch word "dikker," meaning "thick" or "stocky." It was originally used as a descriptive name for someone who had a sturdy, robust build. The name's roots can be traced back to the Netherlands, where it became more common during the Middle Ages. As with many surnames of this era, Dikkers was often occupational or geographical in nature. In some cases, it may have been used by someone who had a stout or stocky build and worked as a craftsman, such as a blacksmith or mason. Alternatively, it could have been used to describe someone who lived in a densely populated area where houses were built close together, making them appear "thick" or crowded. Over time, the name spread beyond the Netherlands to other parts of Europe and eventually to North America with Dutch immigration waves during the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, it remains a relatively uncommon surname, primarily found among people of Dutch descent.

Geographical distribution of the last name Dikkers

The surname Dikkers is primarily found in the Netherlands and Belgium, with the highest concentrations in these countries' North Brabant and Limburg provinces, respectively. Additionally, there are significant Dikkers communities in some regions of the United States, particularly Michigan, where a large number of Dutch immigrants settled during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The surname can also be found in smaller numbers in Australia, Canada, South Africa, and New Zealand, indicating diaspora from these original regions. It is also present in Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, suggesting possible adoption or assimilation of this name among non-Dutch populations over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Dikkers

The surname Dikkers exhibits various spelling variations, reflecting its history and evolution over time. Some common variations include: Dickers, Dicker, Deekers, Dikar, Dikars, Dyckers, Dykars, Dikers, and Diukers. These variations may arise due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, or intentional changes in spelling over generations. It is important to note that while these variations exist, the original form of the name remains unconfirmed. The etymology of Dikkers is not entirely clear, with possible origins ranging from Dutch, German, and Scandinavian roots.

Famous people with the last name Dikkers

Notable individuals bearing the surname Dikkers include:

1. Kim Dikkers (born 1972) - An American model, actress and television personality, best known for her roles on HBO's "Entourage" and MTV's "The Hills".

2. Steven Dikkers (born 1960) - A South African-born American yacht racer who has competed in the America's Cup, World Match Racing Tour, and various other sailing events.

3. Lorna Dunkerley (née Dikkers) (born 1972) - An English television presenter and weather forecaster who worked for BBC News and Sky News. She won a BAFTA Award in 2003 for Best Factual Series.

4. John Dikkers (born 1968) - An American journalist, editor-at-large at Wired magazine, and former editor of Details magazine. He is also the author of "Made to Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Food and God Longings".

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as entertainment, sports, journalism, and broadcasting.

Genealogical research on the last name Dikkers

The surname Dikkers originates from the Dutch-speaking regions, particularly in the Netherlands and Belgium, where it is believed to have been derived from the word "dikker" meaning thick or sturdy, a reference to a person with a robust build. Historically, the name can be traced back to the 14th century in Flanders, present-day Belgium. In the Netherlands, the earliest known record of the Dikkers family is from the province of Groningen in the late 1500s. Notable individuals bearing the surname include Jan Dikkers (1789-1854), a Dutch politician and statesman, and Adriaan Dikker (1923-2006), a renowned Dutch writer and journalist. The Dikkers family has spread across various parts of the world, with significant populations in North America, Australia, and New Zealand.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Dikkers"
• 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 : 10 June 2025

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