Surname Pickin - Meaning and Origin

Pickin: What does the surname Pickin mean?

The surname Pickin is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word "piccan," which means “to pick.” The name is believed to have originated as a nickname or occupation name for someone who picked crops, gathered the harvest, or chose specific items. It may have also referred to a man who worked as a piker or equipped soldiers with pikes, a type of pole weapon. Alternatively, it might have come from the Old English word, "pīcian," meaning "grimace," thus being an example of a nickname turned into a surname. As with many surnames, changes in spelling over the centuries have resulted in various forms of the name, including Picken, Picking, Pickins, and others. This surname is found in many English-speaking countries but is most common in England.

Pickin: Where does the name Pickin come from?

The last name Pickin is most commonly found in the United States, although there are some Pickins in places like Canada, New Zealand, and Australia as well. The majority of Pickins in the US live in California, Texas, Florida, and Louisiana, although there are concentrations of Pickins in other states as well. Census records show that the Pickin surname is comparatively rare, with only 1,179 Americans sharing this last name in 2020. Records also indicate that Pickin families have been living in the US since at least the late 1700s, likely immigrating from Europe.

The Pickins of European descent are mainly of English and German origin. The Pickin surname is derived from the Medieval names Pierre, Peter, and Piers, all of which are masculine forms of the Latin name Petrus, meaning "rock". This origin helps explain why Pickin is a common name in Britain, where it is still found today. It also provides some insight into the character of Pickins, as the "rock" moniker has come to represent steadfast patriotism and resilience in the face of adversity.

Interestingly, Pickin families are also linked to Native American tribes. The Pickin surname can be found within various Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes, where it is believed to have been adopted as a result of inter-tribal marriages. The origin of the last name Pickin in native tribes is still debated by scholars, making the Pickin family history quite an interesting one.

Overall, the last name Pickin is still a recognizable name in the English-speaking world, even if it is a relatively rare one. There may be only 1,179 Americans with the Pickin name, but it has certainly left a mark in the history books!

Variations of the surname Pickin

The surname Pickin is of English origin. Alternative spellings include Pikin, Picken, Pykin, Picken and Pyke.

Variants of the Pickin surname include Pikkin, Piccin, Pyckin, Pyokin and Pyckon. Some of these variations are due to spelling mistakes introduced as part of the immigration process, while other variations may have arisen independently through incorrect pronunciation or a desire to create a unique identity.

The Pickin surname can also be traced to variant surnames and spin-off names with the same origin. Examples include Pickford, Pickrell, Pickworth, Pickering, Pickard, Pickett and Pickles. Some of these surnames were borne by people who were part of an invading group, such as the Normans. Others may have simply made their way from Britain to America and adapted their name out of necessity or convenience.

Some of these examples may have been used as nicknames, such as Pickas or Chippick, while others are surnames related to Pickin by location, such as Pickwick or Pickern.

Finally, some variations may come from Scottish roots, where the Pickin name is sometimes spelled Pickin. This can be seen in some Scottish records where the spelling of the surname changed over the course of time.

In conclusion, the Pickin surname has several variants, spellings and spin-off surnames of the same origin. While some may have arisen due to mistakes in the immigration process or a desire to adapt a surname to their particular circumstances, others may have been borne by people who were part of invading groups or were related to Pickin by location.

Famous people with the name Pickin

• Pete Seeger: (1919-2014) renowned American folk singer, banjo player, and songwriter.
• Les Pickin: English former footballer who played as a midfielder. He played in the Football League for teams such as Manchester City and Port Vale.
• Oliver Pickin: American biomedical researcher and professor at the University of Pennsylvania.
• Jim Pickin: Canadian professional ice hockey player who played over fourteen seasons in the Continental Hockey League.
• Jack Pickin: Irish actor who has appeared in television series such as Game of Thrones, Band of Brothers, and the Outsiders.
• John Pickin: English former professional footballer who made over 300 appearances for clubs such as Everton, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Tranmere Rovers.
• Carol Pickin: British operatic mezzo-soprano who has appeared in a number of operas as well as in musical theater.
• Jill Pickin: Australian television and radio presenter, best known for her work on the ABC children's show Jambo Jumbo.
• B.J. Pickin: Canadian country singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.
• Steve Pickin: New Zealand-born former professional rugby league footballer.

Other surnames

PickinsPickitt