Surname Deckard - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'D'
Deckard: What does the surname Deckard mean?
Deckard is a surname of German and Dutch origin, coming from the Dutch "dekker," which translates to "thatcher" in English. The name was traditionally an occupational surname given to someone who worked as a roofer or thatcher, indicating their profession. The use of such names became common in Europe from the 12th century onwards and was used to distinguish people who had the same first name. In the context of the popular movie "Blade Runner," protagonist Rick Deckard's name can be interpreted to represent his function within society as a 'fixer' or 'repairer' of problems, much as a thatcher might repair roofs. However, aside from this interpretation, the surname does not have any particular meaning or symbolism beyond its historical origin.
Order DNA origin analysisDeckard: Where does the name Deckard come from?
The surname Deckard is of German origin. It is derived from "Dekker", an occupational name for a roofer, originating from the High German "decke" meaning cover. This name transformation indicates an ancestral Deckard might have been a roofer by trade. Traditional German names often reflect the occupation or characteristic of the person. However, much like other family names, migration, conversion, and other factors lead to its spread to other parts of the world.
Today, the surname Deckard is quite uncommon, with the largest concentration found in the United States, predominantly in the Midwest. Census data suggests states like Indiana and Missouri have a significant number of people with the Deckard surname. The surname Deckard is also present, albeit in smaller numbers, in Germany, France, and Brazil. The name gained popularity with the science fiction character Rick Deckard from Philip K. Dick's novel "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" and its film adaptation "Blade Runner".
Variations of the surname Deckard
The surname Deckard may have several variations, spellings, and similar surnames deriving from the same or similar origin. It's a surname of German origin and was a name given to a person who worked as a roofer. The name is derived from the German word "decker", meaning a "roofer" or "carpenter".
Alternative spellings and variants may include: Decker, Dekker, Dechert, Dekkard, Deckert, Dechard, and Deckar. It's also worth noting that regional variations and translations could lead to other forms of the surname.
Surnames of similar origin, referring to the same or similar occupations, would include Zimmerman (German for 'carpenter'), Dachdecker (the modern German word for 'roofer').
Nonetheless, the standardization of spelling in many Western countries has likely reduced the occurrence of distinctly different spellings of the surname Deckard. In various records, one person's surname was often written by scribes or court officials as they heard it spoken. This resulted in a person's name being recorded under several different spellings. In addition, spellings of surnames changed over time for a variety of reasons, including changes in cultural language and as people moved to new areas or countries.
Famous people with the name Deckard
- Faye Deckard: She was a former commissioner for the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission.
- Dean Deckard: A high school basketball coach in the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.
- Brian Deckard: An American actor known for his role in the video game, Detroit: Become Human.
- Rick Deckard: Although not a real person, he is a well- known character from the 'Blade Runner' film series, portrayed by Harrison Ford.
- John Deckard: A former American football wide receiver who played in the National Football League.
- Bill Deckard: He is an American award-winning writer and publisher with a focus on emergency and disaster management issues. Please note that not all these names are international celebrities but are known within their respective areas of expertise.