Surname Ericksen - Meaning and Origin
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Ericksen: What does the surname Ericksen mean?
The last name Ericksen is of Scandinavian origin and comprises two elements "Erik" and "sen". "Erik" is a personal name that derives from Old Norse Eiríkr, possibly meaning 'single ruler' or 'eternal ruler'. The "sen" part is a Danish-Norwegian suffix meaning 'son of'. Thus, the surname Ericksen simply translates to 'Erik's son'. The name might have been initially used to refer to the son of a man named Erik in the lineage. This is a patronymic naming tradition which is quite common in many parts of Scandinavia. It’s also why this surname is prevalent in areas with a significant Scandinavian immigrant population, such as the Upper Midwest in the United States. Variations may include Erickson, Erikson, Ericson, and others, all of which carry the same meaning.
Order DNA origin analysisEricksen: Where does the name Ericksen come from?
The last name Ericksen is of Scandinavian origin, specifically from Denmark and Norway. It is a patronymic surname, meaning it derived from the name of someone's father or male ancestor. In this case, "Ericksen" translates to "son of Erick".
The surname was likely formed during the Middle Ages, a period when Scandinavians started to use patronymic surnames. Despite its Scandinavian roots, many individuals and families bearing the surname Ericksen emigrated to other parts of the world over the centuries, following Viking expeditions, trade ventures, and later, broader global migration patterns.
Today, the surname Ericksen is most common in the United States, according to data from Forebears and Ancestry. This high prevalence is likely due to historical immigration patterns, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries when many Scandinavians moved to the US. However, its spelling may vary, with versions such as Erikson, Ericson, and Eriksen also common, especially in Scandinavian countries themselves. Other countries with a significant number of people named Ericksen include Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Variations of the surname Ericksen
The surname Ericksen is Scandinavian in origin, deriving from the Old Norse personal name 'Eirikr' which is composed of elements meaning 'ever' and 'ruler.' This surname is commonly used both in Norway and Denmark. It has several variants form which largely depend on geographic location and spelling preferences. Some of these alternative versions include Erickson, Erikson, Ericson, Erixon, Ericsson, Eriksson and Eriksen.
The surname Ericksen can also be written as Erikssen or Eriksenn. Suffix "-sen" typically represents "son of"; so, Ericksen would literally translate to "son of Erick". Another version Erickston also indicates a similar meaning.
Additionally, there are also surnames like Eiriksson or Eiriksdatter in Icelandic context, where '-datter' acts as a suffix for daughter, instead of '-son'.
When it comes to simplification or anglicization, the surname may also show variations like Erick, Eric, Erik, Erix, or Eriks in different demographics. These simplified versions typically eliminate the son-of suffix, focusing on the first name basis only.
Though the surname indicates a common heritage, spelling and usage variations have adapted according to local linguistic and cultural influences over time.
Famous people with the name Ericksen
- Leif Erikson: Was a Norse explorer from Iceland who is thought to have been the first known European to have set foot on continental North America, approximately half a millennium before Christopher Columbus.
- Eric Ericksen: A New Zealand broadcaster and newspaper journalist based in Auckland.
- Søren Ericksen: Founder and Head Brewer of 8 Wired Brewing Co. in New Zealand.
- Erik Ericksen: American politician who served as a member of the Washington State Senate from 2004 to 2018.
- Jamie Ericksen: Director known for "True Story", "Battleground: Rhino Wars" and "The Osbournes".
- Bjorn Ericksen: An actor and producer well known for films like "The Way of the West" and "Alone: Orphaned on the Ocean".
- Clyde Lee Ericksen: Prominent attorney and former appellate judge in the state of Utah, United States. Please note that the spelling and popularity can vary for the last name Ericksen, it can also be spelled Erikson, Erickson, Ericson.