Surname Dicke - Meaning and Origin
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Dicke: What does the surname Dicke mean?
The last name Dicke is of German origin. It is derived from the old Germanic word, "dick," which means "thick" or "fat." This surname was often used as a nickname to describe a person who was heavyset or stout. It's important to note that during the times when surnames were created, they mainly served the purpose of better distinguishing people by referring to personal characteristics or occupations. Therefore, the original bearers of the name Dicke likely had a robust or large physique. Broadly speaking, name interpretations can depend on regional dialects, so in some areas, the name could also refer to a person who is strong, bold, or hardy. Despite its literal meaning, bearers of this last name should not relate it to any derogatory connotation as its origin pertains to another historical and cultural context.
Order DNA origin analysisDicke: Where does the name Dicke come from?
The last name Dicke is of German origin. The name is derived from the German word "dick" which means "thick" or "fat", often originally used as a nickname for a stout or corpulent person. However, it also emerged as a patronymic surname, based on the personal name ‘Dick’, a diminutive or nickname for Richard.
In many instances, this name has been Anglicized to "Dick" among descendants of German immigrants in the United States. Despite this, several people in the U.S still bear the name Dicke as a last name.
Today, it is most common in Germany, followed by the United States. According to surname distribution data, the surname Dicke is most prevalent in the German regions of North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, and Bavaria. Additionally, there is a significant concentration of individuals with the Dicke surname in the Netherlands. Globally, there are approximately 7000-10,000 people with the Dicke surname, majority of which are found in Germany.
Variations of the surname Dicke
The surname Dicke has variants and related surnames that may be derived from the same or similar origins, or that have evolved due to regional dialects, translation, or simplification over time. Apart from the original "Dicke", other possibilities include Dick, Dicke, Dicks, Dickes, Dicken, Dickens, and Deike.
It's important to note that these names can be found in many countries and their spelling may have been altered to fit the phonetics of local languages. For example, the spelling Dik or Dyck could have been used in Dutch speaking countries. Furthermore, in the US, anglicized versions of the name like Dickinson or Dickerson might exist.
Even though these names sound or are spelled similarly, they don't always share the same origin. For example, while Dicke may originate from Northern Germany, where it was a nickname for someone who was strong and powerful, Dickens could come from the English name Dickin, a pet form of Dick.
It is also worth pointing out that not all people with the last name Dicke are necessarily related and a thorough genealogical investigation would be required to establish any family connections.
Famous people with the name Dicke
- Robert H. Dicke: He was a prominent American physicist known for his significant contributions to the fields of cosmology and gravity.
- Bill Dicke: He was a prominent American businessman who served as the CEO and chairman of Cintas Corporation.
- James Dicke: He is an American artist best known for his realistic and highly detailed pencil drawings. He is the recipient of the 2001 Lucien & Stanley Kudos Award for Drawing.
- James F. Dicke II: He is an American businessman and philanthropist who served as the CEO of Crown Equipment Corporation.
- James F. Dicke III: He is an American entrepreneur, artist, and philanthropist. He’s the son of James F. Dicke II.
- Otto Dicke: He was a Dutch illustrator and graphic artist, known for his depictions of nature, animals, and landscapes.
- Richard Dicke: He is an American physician recognized for his work in the field of cardiology.
- Phil Dicke: Phil Dicke is an Australian rugby league footballer who played in the 1980s and 1990s. Please note that not all these individuals may be universally recognized as "famous," but they have made notable contributions in their respective fields.