Surname Shicks - Meaning and Origin
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Shicks: What does the surname Shicks mean?
The origin and meaning of the last name Shicks is not certain. Several theories exist about its origin, with one theory suggesting that it is German in origin and derived from "schex" meaning "reckless" or "carefree person." Other theories suggest that it is possibly derived from the Latin ex causa, meaning "from the cause."
One suggested origin connects the name Shicks to the Dutch language, deriving it from "scheksen" which translates to "to shuffle hoofs" or "prance." This version suggests that it became popular as a last name because of its reference to horses.
The last name Shicks may also be related to the Old English word for "sheep." This origin is supported by the German language connection and the presence of the upturned "S" at the beginning of the name. Similarly, the Yiddish word "shicksa" is derived from the Hebrew "sheigetz," which means "shameful."
It is possible that Shicks is derived from several sources and evolved over time from a combination of these origins. Ultimately, though, the precise origin of the last name Shicks is unclear.
Order DNA origin analysisShicks: Where does the name Shicks come from?
The last name Shicks is not a particularly common surname today. The most likely origin of the name is Germanic, though it could have originated in other European countries. The most common place today to find the name is in the United States, particularly in Pennsylvania. It is also common in Germany, Alsace-Lorraine, Austria, and the Czech Republic.
Within the United States, research indicates that the name is most common in Pennsylvania. This is not surprising, as Pennsylvania was originally settled by German immigrants. The area was also home to many immigrants from other Central and Eastern European countries including Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary.
While the surname is not as common as it was in the 19th and early 20th centuries when most of the American population was of Germanic or Eastern European ancestry, it is still widely dispersed throughout the United States. A search for the name returns results throughout the country, from Oregon to Maine.
There is also a significant concentration of the name in the United Kingdom, particularly in the East Midlands. People with the surname there likely are descendants of immigrants from the regions where the name was already established, such as Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Poland.
Given the many countries of origin for the last name, Shicks is quite a rare surname today. However, there remains a concentration of people bearing the name in countries around the world, from the United States to the United Kingdom to Germany and beyond.
Variations of the surname Shicks
The surname Shicks is derived from the German word "schick", which means "elegant", "stylish", or "handsome". It is most commonly found in the United States and Canada, usually spelled "Shicks" or "Shix", but there are a number of other spellings and variant forms which can be seen in other countries.
In continental Europe, variants of the name can include "Schick", "Schicke", "Schickes" and "Schickler". In Israel, the spelling is typically "Tsich", which is also found in Hungary, while it usually takes the form of "Schik" or "Sizik" in Poland.
Other variants of Shicks found in the United States include "Shetz", "Scegge", "Schyck", and "Scice". Due to the nature of immigration, one may also find a Moravian form of the name spelled "Squzes".
The earliest known variant of the name is likely "Schick", which dates back to medieval Germany and is found in records from that period. As a result, Shicks is likely of Germanic origin, and is related to other surnames such as "Schikoff", "Schikel", "Schickerling" and "Schickendanz".
The name is also found in Finland, where it commonly takes the form of "Saikkel". In some cases, the name can also be found spelled "Shik". This variant is particularly common in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Overall, the surname Shicks is an interesting example of the various international spellings and variants of the same name which have developed across time and space. Its most common form remains the spelling “Shicks” but over the centuries, several other variant forms and spellings have evolved.
Famous people with the name Shicks
- Aziz Ansari (Actor, Comedian, Writer)
- Brad Shick (Retired Professional Baseball Player)
- Carly Shultz (Vlogger)
- Chris Shick (Retired Professional Soccer Player)
- Jordan Shicks (Producer, Actor)
- Marshall Shick (Retired Professional Football Player)
- Michael Shick (Former Professional Tennis Player)
- Nadia Shick (Musician)
- Nick Shick (Football Player)
- Peter Shick (Former Soccer Player)
- Richard Shick (Educator, Author)
- Ryan Shick (Former Professional Hockey Player)
- Scott Shick (Retired Professional Basketball Player)
- Stephen Shick (Actor, Award Winning Choreographer)
- Steven Shick (World-Renowned Classical Conductor)
- Stan Shick (Former Professional Football Player)