Surname Nickens - Meaning and Origin
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Nickens: What does the surname Nickens mean?
The surname Nickens is predominantly found in the United States, where it is believed to be of African-American origin. The specific origins and meaning of the name itself are less clear and are largely undocumented. It's a fairly uncommon last name, ranked beyond the top 100,000 most common last names in the U.S. Like many last names, it may have evolved from a trade or profession, or possibly a geographical location or an ancestor's name. However, without specific evidence or research, it is really quite difficult to pinpoint a definite meaning. Given its predominantly African-American usage, it's likely the name emerged post-slavery, when many newly freed slaves chose or were given new last names. The usage and meaning of the surname Nickens may reveal interesting aspects of cultural or family history for those who bear it. Therefore, people with this last name are encouraged to investigate their specific lineage to uncover potential origins and meanings.
Order DNA origin analysisNickens: Where does the name Nickens come from?
Nickens is a very rare surname that is found around the world, though the highest concentration is thought to be within the United States. MyHeritage research found that in the world, there are approximately 1,000 people with the last name Nickens. The United States has the largest number of Nickenses with a reported 700 people with the surname.
Within the US, Nickens is primarily found in the Southern states, specifically the states of Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana. In Georgia, the Nickens family primarily lives in the northeastern section of the state around counties like DeKalb, Fulton, and Cobb. Tennessee is home to over 100 members of the Nickens family living in cities like Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville. Mississippi has the smallest Nickens population with only 35 people reported.
The surname Nickens is quite rare and can be difficult to trace in records. However, with some genealogical research, it is possible to build interesting family trees.
Variations of the surname Nickens
The surname Nickens is a patronymic surname, which means it derives from a given name such as Nicholas. Variants of this surname include Nichens, Nickels, Nickelsin, Nickles, Nicklis, Nickelson, Nicholsen, Nikolisin, and Nikolsen. It can also be found in many spellings, such as Nicoans, Nikins, Nickenes, Nikeson, Nikason, and Nuckolls.
Nickens is a common surname of both English and German origin. In Germany, it is a locational name for places like Niklashausen, a locality in Lower Franconia. In England, Nickens is a variant of the name Nickleson or Nicholson which is thought to have derived from the given name Nicholas, a Greek personal name which means victory people.
In some instances, the surname Nickens could originate from the old Welsh name Nakon, typically ending in -son, as in the surname Nakinson. However, it is more likely of English and German origin.
The surname Nickens is found mainly in the United States, but it can be found in Canada, the United Kingdom, and some other English-speaking countries. Those with this surname can be found in all walks of life, from laborers to the upper class.
Famous people with the name Nickens
- Kacie Nickens: Raytheon Technologies executive and former Goldman Sachs executive.
- Philip Nickens: Business executive and investor in technology and media.
- Henry Nickens Jr.: Retired Army lieutenant general and former director of the Defense Logistics Agency.
- Jalen Nickens: Professional basketball player who currently plays for Ironi Nes Ziona of the Israeli Basketball Premier League.
- Vernon Nickens: Chairman of the National Alumni Association and former tenured professor and administrator at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
- Brexton Nickens: American basketball player for the San Antonio Spurs of the National Basketball Association.
- Terrence Nickens: Actor, director, and playwright best known for his stage play, "And On This Rock, We Will Stand."
- Estella Nickens: Singer, songwriter, and musician.
- Abigaile Nickens: Actress, producer, and philanthropist.
- Quinton Nickens: American television and film actor.