Surname Killick - Meaning and Origin

Killick: What does the surname Killick mean?

The surname Killick is of Anglo-Saxon origin and has a few possible meanings. Generally, it's related to maritime occupations or geography. The most common interpretation derives from the Middle English term "kellek" or "killack," referring to a type of anchor or large stone used as an anchor. This suggests the original bearers of the surname could have been anchor makers or sailors.

In terms of geography, the name might have been given to those who lived near a unique rock formation. For example, there's "The Killick," a well-known rock formation off the Jersey coast.

The surname could also originate from a place called Kelleck in Cornwall, England. In some cases, surnames were created to identify a person's place of origin.

Another possible derivation is the Welsh term "cilwg," which means 'shelter' or 'retreat,' potentially indicating that the initial bearers resided or sought protection in such a place.

Remember, the exact origin and meaning can differ among families.

Killick: Where does the name Killick come from?

The last name Killick originated from the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. It is derived from the old English word 'cylig,' which means a 'stone chipping' or a 'small stone,' often used as an anchor for a boat. The term was later applied to a person who made such anchors, thus becoming an occupational name.

The surname first surfaced on record in Sussex where the Killick family held a family seat from early times. The Killick family played a significant role during the Middle Ages, contributing to the local politics and society of Sussex.

Nowadays, the Killick surname is found more often in England and Wales, especially in the southeastern counties of these regions. It has also spread in smaller numbers to other English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, primarily due to British emigration. Despite this, it is still relatively rare, and is not often seen outside these countries.

Variations of the surname Killick

The surname Killick is of English origin and derived from the occupational name for a handler of anchors or possibly a nickname for a hefty person. This surname can have several alternative spellings and variations to include: Killeck, Killock, Killack, Killik, Killyck, Kellick, Kellack, Keleck, Kellik and Kilack.

People with the surname Killick, its variants or derivations often interchanged these versions across generations possibly due to differences in regional accents, illiteracy and record keeping. The occurrence and frequency of these variations can differ significantly depending on geographical location and historical context.

In addition, some surnames could be anglicised versions of the original name or may have evolved over time, leading to a wider variety of surnames of similar origin. Therefore, it's significant to note that while these surnames appear related, without genealogical or DNA verification, the connection may not be exact.

The study of surnames, including their origin, meaning, and variations, is known as onomastics – a subset of linguistics. Surname can be an interesting window into migration patterns, cultural and social history, occupational and geographical distribution and the evolution of language.

Famous people with the name Killick

• Charlie Killick: A British actor known for his television roles in Attachments (2013) and Doctors (2005).
• Patrick Killick: A professional Olympic weightlifter from Great Britain who competed in the 2007 World Championships.
• Bryan Killick: A British ice hockey player who played for Sheffield Steelers during the 2002–03 English National League season.
• Dan Killick: A British actor and director who has appeared in films such as Eastenders (1985) and Doctor Who (2005).
• Cat Killick: An American actress who has appeared in films such as Lost in Space (1998) and Reality Check (2006).
• Graham Killick: An English cricketer who played for Hampshire County Cricket from 1997-1999.
• John Killick: An Australian man who was convicted of armed robbery and later escaped from prison in 1999.
• Andrew Killick: An English footballer who played from 1985 to 1998 for clubs such as Port Vale, Northampton Town and Mansfield Town.
• Richard Killick: A British politician and Member of Parliament for Nuneaton from 1983 to 1997.
• Mike Killick: A British-born professional snooker player who competed in the World Snooker Championships from 1979 to 1996.

Other surnames

KillianKilliardKillieKillierKilligerKilligrawKillikellyKillileaKillimetKillinKillion