Surname Qvick/Kvikk - Meaning and Origin
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Qvick/Kvikk: What does the surname Qvick/Kvikk mean?
The last name Qvick/Kvikk is an ancient Norwegian name that comes from a time when surnames were reserved only for the most influential and powerful families in the region. The original spelling of this surname was Qvík, which is derived from the Old Norse word “kviikr”, meaning quick, nimble, or agile. In the old Norwegian and Icelandic cultures, and to some extent today, those who had this surname were seen as having extraordinary abilities of speed, agility, and quick thinking.
The meaning of the name has also evolved over time to mean more than just being quick. It is associated with using your quick wits, intelligence, and hard work to get ahead and open new avenues of opportunity. The people determined enough to gain these types of surnames were seen as going far, and therefore Qvick/Kvikk has become synonymous with success, ambition, drive, and intelligence.
This surname is still very common in Norway today, with people bearing the Qvick/Kvikk surname spread all across the country, and even to other countries. Given its Viking heritage, it is likely that many of these people, hundreds of years after that first Qvíkr, still possess the same admirable attributes of strength, agility, speed, and intelligence that made their ancestors so successful.
Order DNA origin analysisQvick/Kvikk: Where does the name Qvick/Kvikk come from?
The surname Qvick/Kvikk is most commonly found in Scandinavia today, specifically in countries like Sweden and Norway. It is a patronymic name, meaning it has been derived from a given name that belonged to the father of the original bearer. That given name is “Kvick” which means “quick” in English. This given name was very popular among Scandinavian countries in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Records show that the surname Qvick/Kvikk has been in use since the late 16th century. One of the earliest records of the name can be found in a court document from 1574 in Västergötland, Sweden. This document records the birth of the son of “Jaes Kvick”. At the same time, the surname was also found in Norway but with the spelling “Kvikk” instead of “Kvick”.
Today the surname Qvick/Kvikk is still widely used in Scandinavia. According to the Sweden Census of 2018, the surname is the 209th most common surname in the country. Similarly, in Norway, the surname is the 399th most common surname with more than 10,000 people having the surname Kvikk.
The surname can also be found in other Nordic countries like Finland, Denmark, and Iceland where it is less common. Additionally, some people with this surname have moved to other countries including the United States where it is especially found among Scandinavian-Americans.
Variations of the surname Qvick/Kvikk
The surnames Qvick and Kvikk have multiple variants, spellings, and derivations that are believed to have originated from the same linguistic root. The most common variations are Kwick, Kwik, Kwike, Kwiq, Quick, Qwiq, Kvick, Kvicki, Kwiqi, Kviki, and Kwikee. While these spellings are primarily English, variations of the surname have been found in other languages such as Norwegian, Danish, and Swedish.
The earliest known record of this surname is the entry of one "Thurs Quik" in the tax assessment rolls for Stirling, Scotland in 1333 AD. Several variants and spellings of Qvick/Kvikk have been found in records from various other parts of the British Isles including England, Scotland, and Ireland.
The origin of the surname is believed to be from the Middle English words "quik" or "quycke", which means "bright", "quick-witted", or "intelligent". This may suggest that the family possessed a strong intellect or a quick wit that allowed them to succeed and thrive in their chosen professions. Some believe that the name may also have been an occupational reference to one who was involved in the tanning or dyeing of hides.
The surname is believed to have developed independently in different families and regions in England, Ireland, Scotland, and other parts of Europe. It is also associated with various spellings in other countries such as the Netherlands and North America. Many of the variants, spellings and derivations can be found in records of England, Ireland, Scotland, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Famous people with the name Qvick/Kvikk
- Timotej Kvikk: A Norwegian musician and songwriter, known for his work with the band he co-founded, El Cuero.
- Louis Kvikk: A Canadian badminton player who competed in the 2016 Olympics and was a part of the Canadian Badminton Team from 2008 to 2016.
- Malin Kvikk: A Swedish TV personality and beauty pageant contestant. She is best known for her role on the popular TV show Let's Dance.
- Stig Kvikk: An influential Norwegian jazz composer and multi-instrumentalist, largely credited with bringing the West-African music style mbaqanga to Norway.
- Bjørn Kvikk: A well-known Norwegian jazz artist and composer who has been active since the mid-80s. He is a highly respected musician and has released numerous solo albums, as well as collaborated with many renowned jazz artists.
- Mikkel Kvikk: A Danish painter and sculptor, best known for his outdoor sculptures, which can be found in various places throughout Denmark.
- Tobias Kvikk: A Finnish artist and sculptor, mostly known for his large-scale installations, often made of local materials such as wood and steel.
- Peder Kvikk: A Norwegian sculptor and draftsman, known for his works depicting animals.
- Alex Sandy Kvikk: A Danish tattoo artist and graphic designer, who has gained international recognition for his distinctive style.
- Jørgen Qvick: A Danish-born model, best known for his work with Diesel, Hugo Boss, and Levi’s.