Surname Hickman - Meaning and Origin
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Unlocking the Hickman Heritage: A Voyage into My Ancestral History with iGENEA DNA Test
Unraveling mysteries from the past, my iGENEA DNA test linked me to the rich and varied history of my ancestors, widening my understanding of my surname, Hickman, its cultural roots, and historical journey. The test shed light on the evolution of Hickman from Medieval England to its current variations across the globe.
K. Hickman
read moreHickman: What does the surname Hickman mean?
The last name Hickman is of English origin and it is an occupational surname which was derived from the Middle English term "hickeman", meaning a "squire" or a "shield bearer". The name could have been given to someone who worked as a page or servant who serves wine at a table, a person serving a knight, or someone who performed duties associated with the role of a squire, such as tending to the knight’s horse and equipment. Alternatively, it may also be derived from the pet form of the names Richard or Isaac. Like many other surnames, it may have started out as a nickname or byname, later becoming a hereditary surname. It is widespread throughout England and is particularly associated with the Yorkshire region. Notably, not every person with the surname Hickman will share the same family history or origin due to the various ways surnames were taken on during the Middle Ages.
Order DNA origin analysisHickman: Where does the name Hickman come from?
The last name Hickman originates from England, derived from the medieval personal name 'Hick,' which was a popular diminutive form of the name Richard. 'Man' was often added to names to denote son of, thus forming 'Hickman,' essentially meaning 'son of Richard.' The name was first recorded in the 14th century as 'Hikeman' and later evolved into its modern form.
This surname is common in English-speaking countries, predominantly in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The United States, in particular, has a higher prevalence of this surname. Interestingly, the surname Hickman has spread to many parts of the world, along with the British colonial expansion. Therefore, you may encounter the Hickman surname in many former British colonies. However, its density remains highest in its areas of origin and in countries with a high prevalence of English speakers.
Variations of the surname Hickman
The surname Hickman originates from the medieval English given name "Heck", a nickname for Richard, combined with "man". Variations and spellings might include Hickmann, Hickmen, Hickmon, Hikman, Hichman, Hichmen, Hikmen, Heckman, and Heckmen among others.
Hickman can also be found as a double-barreled or hyphenated surname, such as Hickman-Smith or Hickman-Jones, created often through marriage, to carry on a family name that might otherwise be lost.
The surname has also been Americanized into various forms due to immigration, alterations, and phonetic spellings. It can be found as Hick, Hicman, or Hickmont in some instances.
Regional dialects and accents have a significant influence on the spelling variations as well. Different regions may spell the name differently; for example, in some German or Dutch regions, it might be spelled as Hikmann or Heckmann.
It's also common to find the variations among people of the same lineage due to personal preference, illiteracy in past generations, or clerical errors. Regardless, all these surnames trace back to the common source - the medieval English given name "Heck" and "man".
Famous people with the name Hickman
- Dwayne Hickman: actor, best known for his role in The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis
- John Hickman: American politician, member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
- Bradley Hickman: American composer, graduate of Juilliard
- Tucker Hickman: American actor, appeared in films such as The Hunger Games and The New Guy
- Donald J. Hickman: retired Vice Admiral of the United States Navy
- Alsie Hickson: American tennis player
- Joe Hickman: British film director, producer, and founder of Natural Retreats
- Stephen Hickman: American artist and illustrator
- Ernie Hickman: American youth football player
- Jack Hickman: American oilman, rancher, and politician from Cheyenne, Wyoming