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Last Name Overdick

What is the origin of the last name Overdick?

The surname "Overdick" is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "Uber," meaning over or above, and "Dietrich," a personal name popular during the medieval period. So, Overdick would have originally referred to someone who lived above or was superior to a Dietrich. This name can be found in various spellings throughout Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Overdick

The meaning and origin of the last name Overdick

The surname Overdick is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "Uberdeich," which means "over dike" or "over bank." This name was originally geographical, indicating that the original bearer lived on a piece of land situated above a protective embankment. In later years, it was often spelled as Überdeck, Oberdeich, or Overdick in different regions and time periods. The surname is relatively rare and is primarily found among the German-speaking population.

Geographical distribution of the last name Overdick

The surname Overdick is primarily distributed across Germany and its neighboring countries, with a significant concentration in regions such as Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, and North Rhine-Westphalia. It also has a presence in Austria, Switzerland, and parts of Poland due to historical migration patterns. Smaller numbers of people bearing the name can be found in other European countries, particularly in the Netherlands and Scandinavia, as well as in the United States, where it is primarily concentrated in areas with strong Germanic ancestry such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. The name's geographical distribution reflects historical German settlement patterns across Europe and the immigration of Germans to the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Overdick

The surname Overdick has several variants and spellings, including Overdeck, Overdache, Overdaecht, Overdacht, Overdaek, Overdak, Overdake, Overdacke, and Overdicke. These variations may arise from differences in transcription, translation, regional dialects, or individual preference. The name, which is of German origin, is derived from a job description, indicating someone who was a dealer or merchant. The root words "über" meaning "over" and "deich" or "dack" meaning "dam" or "bank," suggest a person who lived near a dam or bank. These variations highlight the flexible nature of surnames throughout history, demonstrating their evolution over time and space.

Famous people with the last name Overdick

The Overdick surname is relatively uncommon, yet it has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most prominent is John F. Overdick Jr., an American lawyer who served as the United States Attorney for the District of Nebraska from 2008 to 2017. He was appointed by President George W. Bush and later served under President Barack Obama. In sports, there's Mike Overdick, a former Major League Baseball player who played in the outfield for teams such as the Kansas City Royals, Milwaukee Brewers, and Pittsburgh Pirates throughout the 1980s. In the realm of science, Dr. Michael Overdick is a notable figure. He is a marine biologist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, where he specializes in fish ecology, fisheries management, and statistical modeling. Lastly, in the arts, there's actress Elizabeth Overdick, known for her roles in films like "The Witches of Eastwick" and "A River Runs Through It". Each of these individuals has made significant contributions to their respective fields, demonstrating the versatility and accomplishments associated with the Overdick surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Overdick

The surname Overdick is primarily of German origin and can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It derives from the Old High German "Ufar-diuk," meaning "over-duke" or "upper leader." The earliest known record of the name was found in the German region of Swabia, dating back to the 13th century. Over time, the spelling of the surname evolved due to various factors such as regional dialects, handwriting, and recording errors. Some variations of the name include Oberdick, Oeverdijk, Oeverdiek, and Averdick.

The Overdicks were primarily located in Swabia, Baden-Württemberg, and Hesse regions of Germany. In the 17th century, many members of the family emigrated to neighboring countries due to religious persecution and economic hardships. Significant Overdick migrations occurred to Switzerland, Austria, and the Netherlands, with smaller groups reaching Belgium and France.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, some members of the Overdick family immigrated to North America. They primarily settled in the United States and Canada, where they assimilated into their new communities and contributed significantly to their respective societies. Today, the Overdick name can be found in various parts of the world, but the highest concentration remains in Germany and its neighboring countries.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 11 June 2025

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