Surname Wicomico - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'W'
Wicomico: What does the surname Wicomico mean?
The last name Wicomico is derived from the Wicomico Native American Indian Tribe. The name Wicomico originates from the Wicomico Algonquian word meaning "people of the other shore", which refers to the Chesapeake Bay's Eastern Shore. This is where this Native American group made their home throughout the 1600s and 1700s. This group of Native Americans was composed of many different tribes of Algonquian-speaking peoples, including the Nanticoke and Powhatan.
Wicomico people smoked the core of culturally-important tobacco in peace pipes, an important tradition for the people, symbolizing peace between tribes. They also cultivated crops such as corn, beans, and squash, as well as various kinds of fish. As English settlers began to inhabit the area, they pushed the Wicomico away from their traditional land. While many of the Wicomico people assimilated with British settlers, some still maintain their cultural identity in indigenous communities today.
The Wicomico surname is often seen today paired with other common Native American names such as Red Cloud, Smith, or Hicks. It is often used to denote a celebration of the Wicomico's original culture and heritage. As the Wicomico people were pushed away from their traditional homes, many of their customs were also lost. But, the proud name Wicomico is an ongoing reminder of the important history and legacy of this native American tribe.
Order DNA origin analysisWicomico: Where does the name Wicomico come from?
The last name Wicomico is most commonly found in the United States. A survey of records taken from the turn of the 20th century revealed that the majority of Wicomicos lived in the mid-Atlantic states. Maryland made up the lion’s share of Wicomico households and its name has appeared on the census for generations. In fact, the origin of the name Wicomico dates back to the 1700s when this area of Maryland was known as Wicomico County.
Data compiled from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey shows that Wicomico is currently most common in Maryland, followed by western, eastern, and southern states. It’s also found in the northeastern Pennsylvania counties of Luzerne, Lackawanna, and Schuylkill. Wicomico is still a relatively rare surname, but can still be found throughout the United States, particularly in the states mentioned.
The states of Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina are also home to some Wicomicos. Interestingly, the name has also been found in California, most likely due to relocation of people from the east coast.
Tracing the etymology of surnames can give us a clue into past migratory patterns of families and a hint at the various stories that weave the tapestry of our shared collective history. While it’s a somewhat rare name today, Wicomico remains a badge of pride for those descendants who still bear the name.
Variations of the surname Wicomico
The surname Wicomico is of Native American origin and is most commonly associated with the Wicomoco tribe that once occupied the area now known as the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The Wicomico surname has many variants and spellings. Common variations include Wycomico, Wycomoco, Wycomicus, Wicomaca, Weekamica, and Wycomus.
Due to its Native American origin, Wicomico surnames are often found in colonial and pre-colonial documents. In colonial records, this surname is also found in variant spellings such as Wickomico, Weecomico, Wycomys, Wykemico, Weccomicus and Wyecomico. In other pre-colonial records, the surname is also found in varied spellings such as Wykemicos, Wekemicos, Wicomak, Weecomus, Wykemyeus and Wykemys.
Wicomico surnames have also been derived from other Native American tribal surnames such as Wyckomiscos, Wecommocos, Weckomiscos, Wyckemyrs, Wyckemyes, Wickenews, Wyckomakos and Wykemeges. All of these surnames are associated with the Wicomoco tribe or tribe members.
The Wicomico surname is also occasionally found in various English, Scottish, and Irish surnames. This includes variations such as Wickson, Wichon, Wykin, Wickings, Wiggons and Wiggers. Lastly, surnames of African origin associated with the surname Wicomico include Wigmore, Whickam, Wykeman, Wigman, Weekam, and Wyken.
Famous people with the name Wicomico
- Derrick Deshaun Wicomico, American former professional basketball player
- Davon Jamal Wicomico, American football player
- Tiquan Wicomico, American football player
- Samuel Dashiell Wicomico, American lawyer and politician
- Joshua Wicomico, American basketball coach
- Emily Ann Wicomico, American songwriter
- Dionne Wicomico, American radio personality
- Richard Wicomico, American former professional football player
- William Caesar Wicomico, American politician
- Randy Wicomico, American former professional basketball player