Surname Hicks - Meaning and Origin

Hicks: What does the surname Hicks mean?

The surname Hicks is of English origin. It originally evolved from the personal name Richard, which was often shortened to Rick, and then became Hick under the influence of the Norman diminutive suffix "-s." Therefore, Hicks could be translated roughly as "son of Rick" or "son of Hick". It is also believed to be a patronymic name, meaning it was often bestowed upon someone whose father or male ancestor bore the first name Hick. The use of surnames in England began after the Norman Conquest in 1066, intended to distinguish people who had the same first names. The surname Hicks was first documented in records dating back to the 13th century. Like many other surnames, it spread across English-speaking societies in Britain, Australia, North America and other regions. Nowadays, different variations of this surname exist, like Hickson, meaning "son of Hicks". Despite its origins, the connotations of the name can, unfortunately, be negative in modern times due to its use as a derogatory term for people from rural or poor backgrounds in the United States. However, as with other names, it's important to separate the historical and nominal meaning from any contemporary, and possibly locale-specific, derogatory connotations.

Hicks: Where does the name Hicks come from?

The surname Hicks originates from medieval England, and it is derived from the personal name Richard. The "son of Hick" transformed into the surname Hicks via patronymic naming traditions. The earliest recorded instance of the Hicks surname belongs to a Walter Hicke in the Subsidy Tax Rolls of Sussex in 1296.

Today, the surname Hicks is mainly found in English-speaking countries, notably in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. According to various population data, it’s most common in the United States. In the UK, it's predominantly found in the southwest region, having roots in Gloucestershire and Cornwall.

Also, as yet another testament to its English origin, the Hicks name features prominently in historical English nobility, such as the famous Hicks baronets of Beverston Castle in the County Gloucester. Meanwhile, in the contemporary era, the name has made appearances within various professional fields from sports to entertainment and academia.

Variations of the surname Hicks

The surname Hicks evolved from the personal name Richard and is believed to be of English or Welsh origin. Over the years, different spellings and variations of the name Hicks have been developed due to changing languages and dialects.

Variations can include Hick, Hickson, Hickison, Hix, Hixon, Hixson, and even Hixen. There are more possibilities when considering changes across languages and dialects, such as the Germanic variant Hixen, or the English dialect forms Higson and Higginson. The spelling of Hicks with a singular "K" also exists. In some cases, it may appear with a prefix, like "Fitz," as in Fitzhicks.

Surnames of the same origin are generally derived from the same personal name, "Richard," and include Rich, Richards, Richardson, Rick, Ricks, and Rickson.

There are also families with the Hicks surname who are from Jewish heritage, descended from Eastern European immigrants whose last names were altered or translated upon arrival to English-speaking places. This may include variants like Hix or Hick.

Please note that any surname can have multiple roots and may occur in various cultures and languages, translated differently. Even within a single country like the United Kingdom, one surname could have several distinct origins. Consequently, this list might not cover all potential variants and related surnames for Hicks.

Famous people with the name Hicks

• Michelle Hicks: Model, actress, andbusinesswoman.
• Eliza Jane Hicks: Writer and artist from Philadelphia.
• Michael Hicks: Grammy-nominated American jazz musician and composer.
• Marshall Hicks: Jazz saxophonist and instructor at the University of Toronto.
• John Hicks: English classical composer.
• Ashton Hicks: Former professional tennis coach and author.
• Dave Hicks: British jazz multi-instrumentalist.
• William Hicks: Former United States Congressman, representing the 5th congressional district of Kentucky from 2009 to 2011.
• Paul Hicks: Attorney, businessperson and former lobbyist.
• Ray Hicks: American folklorist, storyteller, musician, and Banjo player.
• Karen Hicks: Former US ambassador and diplomat.
• Jay Hicks: Former American professional football player.
• Dan Hicks: American singer-songwriter and frontman for Dan Hicks and his Hot Licks.
• Sheetal Hicks: South Asian actress and makeup artist.
• Mark Hicks: Professional motocross racer.
• Lillian Hicks: American gospel singer from St. Louis.
• J. E. Hicks: British politician and Member of Parliament.
• Krystal Hicks: Professional dancer and choreographer.
• Donnie Hicks: Professional American football player.
• Brandi Hicks: University of Texas alumna and Christian speaker.

Other surnames

HickHickasonHickersonHickethonHickeyHickieHickmanHickmannHickmerHickmonHickmoreHicksonHicky