Origin & Meaning of the Dickens Surname
What does the last name Dickens mean?
The surname Dickens carries the meaning "Of or from." It is derived from the Italian language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 18,123 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Dickens ranks as the #1,990 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Dickens come from?
The Dickens surname has its roots in Italian heritage. Names of Italian origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Dickens name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Dickens trace back to Italian. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Dickens |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Of or from |
| Origin | Italian |
| Language | Italian |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,990 |
| US Count (2010) | 18,123 |
| Per 100K People | 6.14 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Dickens
According to the US Census, the Dickens surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 18,123 Americans with the Dickens last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 63.46% |
| Black | 31.12% |
| Hispanic | 2.23% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.39% |
| Native American | 0.86% |
| Two or More Races | 1.93% |
Popularity of Dickens Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Dickens surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Dickens surname decreased by 58 between 2000 and 2010.
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- ✓ The Dickens coat of arms & heraldry
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Similar Surnames to Dickens
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Dickens.
Other Italian Surnames
Explore more surnames with Italian roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Italian origin as Dickens.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dickens
Top Surnames Starting with D
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter D, ranked by population.
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