Surname Detherick - Meaning and Origin

Detherick: What does the surname Detherick mean?

The surname Detherick is a locational name for a person who originated from the village of Detrich in the Landsberg district of southwest Germany. The name itself derives from the Latin name "Dethringhes," which means "peeked at home." It is believed to have referred to someone who spent time looking out their window and keeping watch over their home.

The Detrich family most likely originated from a local noble family which owned the surrounding area. The first recorded use of the surname is from 1267, found in the records of the Knights of St. John, referencing a Henry Detrich living in Landsberg at the time.

It is unclear how the Detrich surname spread throughout Europe, but it is likely that the family moved to other areas of the continent due to political, religious, or economic events. For example, it is believed that some members of the family moved to the Netherlands during the Protestant Reformation, when German nobles sought to remain Catholic.

The Detherick surname is rarely used today, but records indicate it exists in the United States and Canada. Those bearing the name may have ancestors who hailed from Germany, but just as likely, their ancestors were among the many immigrant groups who left Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries. For example, many German, Dutch, and French Australians trace their heritage back to Detherick families who arrived in the coelonty in the 1700s.

Detherick: Where does the name Detherick come from?

Today, the last name Detherick is found mostly within the United States and the United Kingdom. In the United States, the name appears to be most prevalent in California, Texas, and Pennsylvania, with many Dethericks appearing in major cities such as Los Angeles, New York, and Dallas. In the UK, the name is more scattered geographically, but is still fairly prevalent.

The name is quite rare, but its origin is thought to be Anglo Saxon in nature. The surname itself likely derives from a combination of two Old English words - “dether” (meaning good or better) and “ric” (meaning leader or ruler). The combination of these words suggests that the name is meant to designate an individual of high status and power.

Interestingly, there are a number of notable figures bearing the name Detherick. Examples include Abraham Detherick, an American Revolutionary War colonel; Jonathan Detherick, a British Major General; and James Detherick, a recipient of the United States Army's Silver Star Medal. Furthermore, the name can be found in literature as well: newbery award-winning author Nancy Willard wrote of a family of Dethericks living in the Ozark Mountains in her novel “A Visit to William Blake’s Inn.”

Overall, the last name Detherick is relatively rare, but has roots stretching back hundreds of years. Currently, the name is found mostly in the US and UK, and is associated with a host of notable individuals and works of literature.

Variations of the surname Detherick

Detherick is a surname of Germanic, Anglo-Saxon and Old English origins. It is derived from the personal name of the same spelling, and it is thought that the family originally came from Dererick, a place-name in the North Riding of Yorkshire.

Variations and spellings of the surname Detherick often include Dietherick, Dethrick, Deetherick, and Deethrick. There are also several Americanized spellings of the name, such as Detrick, Detratt, Dethardt, and Detheridge.

The original form of the surname, Dererick, is believed to have been derived from the Old English words for deer, "der", and a bend or furlong, "ric". Together, these words can be translated to mean either a 'valley frequented by deer' or a 'deer-furlong'.

The original pronunciation of the surname Deetherick would have been closer to 'Deeth-rik', rather than 'Deether-ick' as it is commonly pronounced now. The 'h' in the middle of the name is silent, making it notably different from other surnames with a similar spelling.

In terms of alternative surnames related to Deetherick, Dietterick, Dietherick and Dietrick are all anglicized versions of the same name. Additionally, there are several derivatives of the surname, including Detterick, Dettinger, Deterick, Deterling, and Dettling.

Overall, the Deetherick surname is a relatively uncommon one, but it has been documented in records dating back to the early 19th century. The original spelling and pronunciation of the name have been largely preserved, making it the perfect symbol of ancestry and heritage for those who bear this surname.

Famous people with the name Detherick

• Katrina Detherick: British TV presenter and television producer
• Ryan Detherick: American MMA fighter
• Keith Detherick: American attorney
• Dwight Detherick: Canadian visual artist
• Laura Detherick: American activist
• John Detherick: English author
• William Detherick: American section chief of the FBI
• Lynn Detherick: American biological oceanographer and former chancellor of the University of Alaska Fairbanks
• Bob Detherick: Australian former attorney-general
• Chris Detherick: Canadian curler

Other surnames

Dethering