Surname Orrick - Meaning and Origin
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Orrick: What does the surname Orrick mean?
The surname Orrick is of English origin, derived from Old Norse personal names like 'Eiríkr' or 'Erik', widely favored among Scandinavian settlers in England during the Viking Age. These names are composed of elements translating to 'ever or eternal' (ei-) and 'ruler' (-ríkr). Thus, Orrick could mean 'ever powerful' or 'eternal ruler'. It is also believed to have geographical roots associated with places such as Orwick in Northumberland and Aywick in the Shetland Islands. Like many surnames, Orrick likely began as a patronymic name passed down from the father’s first name. Over time, it transformed into a family surname. The variations of this surname include Orick, Orrack, Orrock, and others. It is worth mentioning that meanings could vary based on different cultures and interpretations over centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisOrrick: Where does the name Orrick come from?
The last name Orrick is believed to have originated in Scotland, with references to the name being found as far back as the 12th century. Today, the surname is found all over the world, with individuals bearing the name residing in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
In the United States, the last name Orrick is particularly common in states such as Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, and California. In Pennsylvania, it is ranked 57th in terms of popularity, with over 4,600 individuals using the name. In New Jersey, it is ranked 91st, with over 3,500 individuals using the name. In Ohio, it is ranked 128th, with around 2,900 individuals using the name. In California, it is ranked 144th, with around 2,400 individuals using the name.
In the United Kingdom, Orrick is a relatively uncommon surname. However, it is still used by individuals in Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, it is particularly common in Aberdeenshire, and has been used by individuals from this region since the 11th century. In England, the name is most commonly found in towns and villages in Northumberland, Yorkshire, and Lincolnshire.
Overall, the last name Orrick can be found all over the world, with the highest concentrations of individuals bearing the name residing in the United States and Scotland.
Variations of the surname Orrick
The surname Orrick can be spelled several ways, including O’Rourke, O’Rourke, O’Rorick, O’Rourke, O’Rourk, Orckey, Orric, Orrich, Orrick, Orricke, Orrik, and Orrrick. These spelling variations suggest that the origin of the surname is Irish in origin.
The most common variant of the name, O’Rourke, is from the Irish Gaelic ó Rodaighe, meaning “grandson of Rodaighe”. The Irish clan of the same name once held large territories in Westmeath, including the Barony of Orrery and part of the Carbury Barony in County Kildare. The name Rodaighe is derived from the Old Irish Ruadhuaidh, which in turn originates from rauth, meaning “red”.
The other variations of the surname Orrick may have different origins. Orric, for instance, is a possible anglicized version of the old Norse personal name Orri. Orrich could be derived from the Anglo-Saxon ‘here’ meaning “army”, coupled with ‘wic’, meaning “dwelling” or “camp”.
The spelling Orckey may refer to the Scottish ‘orkey’ or ‘orchy’ meaning “heathery” or “bending lips”. The old English 'orice' could refer to an ancestral place, or from a personal name, such as Oreward.
Overall, the surname Orrick has many variations, spellings, and derivatives, each with its own origin and unique history.
Famous people with the name Orrick
- Jeff Orrick: Olympic track and field athlete who competed in the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.
- Rachel Orrick: Grammy-nominated jazz artist and keyboardist.
- David Orrick: Playwright and professor of English at University of North Carolina.
- Jacqueline Orrick: Olympic swimmer who competed in the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.
- John Orrick: Actor and television producer with credits on ABC's Grey's Anatomy.
- Ray Orrick: Former MLB player who played for the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1970s.
- Virginia Orrick: Academy Award-nominated film editor for the 1979 film Agnes of God.
- Jacob Orrick: Stand-up comedian, actor, and writer who wrote for the popular animated series, Hey Arnold!
- Rachael Orrick: One of the founding members of the punk band The Slits.
- Richard Orrick: Broadway and regional theater director whose credits include producing and directing the musical Falsettos.