The surname Hickok is an Anglicized form of the Germanic name Pick, which was originally a nickname for someone who was quick-witted or nimble. The original German form, Pick, comes from the Old High German pihhhan, meaning "beak," possibly referring to a person with a sharp wit or quick tongue, or perhaps referring to a physical resemblance to a beak. The name later evolved into various spellings in different regions and time periods, such as Pichok, Peik, Pickock, Pickett, and Hickok, among others. The American frontiersman James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok is one of the most famous individuals with this surname.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Hickok
The meaning and origin of the last name Hickok
The surname Hickok is of English origin, stemming primarily from the Anglo-Saxon language. It is derived from the Middle English word "hicoche," which means "corner" or "nook." This surname may have been given to someone who lived in a small corner or nook, or it could have been used as a topographic name for someone who resided by such a location. Alternatively, Hickok could be an occupational name, potentially referring to a person who made or repaired wooden items, such as barrels, using a "hick" or notch, which was a common method of construction during the Middle Ages. Over time, variations in spelling, including Heickock, Hickey, and Hickman, have emerged due to differences in transcription, migration, and cultural influences. The surname Hickok has been particularly prevalent in the United States, where it is most common in states such as Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, though it can be found throughout North America and beyond.
Geographical distribution of the last name Hickok
The surname Hickok is predominantly found in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada. According to data from FamilyEducation.com, it is most frequently encountered in the states of Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, and Indiana, as well as the Canadian province of Ontario. This concentration suggests a potential origin in the Midwestern region of the United States or along the U.S.-Canada border. However, it is also present in other parts of the country, albeit less frequently, indicating dispersal from the original centers of population. The name Hickok is less common outside North America but can be found in small numbers among the diaspora of American expatriates or immigrants.
Variants and spellings of the last name Hickok
The surname Hickok has several spelling variations, including Hickok, Hicock, Heick, Heik, Hicke, Heikes, Hickes, Hick, and possibly others due to different transcription practices and regional dialects over time. These variations may stem from the original German or Dutch name "Heck," which means "corner" or "turn." The name's spelling has been influenced by various factors such as migration patterns, assimilation, and phonetic changes in pronunciation. It is important to note that each variation represents a unique individual or family lineage, reflecting the diversity of experiences and histories associated with the Hickok name.
Famous people with the last name Hickok
Notable individuals bearing the surname Hickok include James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok (1837-1876), an American frontiersman known for his quick draw skills and gunfighting abilities, who served as a scout for the Union Army during the American Civil War. Another famous figure is Davis Wesson Hickock (born 1945), also known as "Davy Crockett of the Yukon," an American prospector, adventurer, and author, who became famous for his exploits in the Klondike Gold Rush. Furthermore, Samuel Hickok (1873-1932) was a prominent mathematician, best known for creating the Hickok-Holladay-Kasner notation system for elementary algebra and geometry. Lastly, Emily Hickok is an American actress who has appeared in various television shows and films, including "Dexter" and "The Walking Dead."
Genealogical research on the last name Hickok
The surname Hickok is of English origin, primarily found in the eastern parts of the United States. It is an anglicized form of the Old Norse byname "Hikki", which means "swift" or "brisk." The first recorded appearance of the name in American history was in the 17th century with John Hickok, who settled in Virginia around 1635.
Notable figures bearing this surname include Wild Bill Hickok, a legendary gunfighter and lawman of the American Frontier; James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok's brother-in-law, Davis Tutt, who is famous for his quick-draw duel with Hickok; and Seth L. Hickok, a U.S. congressman from Iowa during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Genealogical research indicates that variations of the name include Hicock, Heckock, and Heikok, with descendants still residing primarily in the Midwestern United States, but also scattered across other parts of the country.
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