Origin & Meaning of the Dickinson Surname
What does the last name Dickinson mean?
The surname Dickinson carries the meaning "Son of Dickin." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 26,607 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Dickinson ranks as the #1,324 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Dickinson come from?
The Dickinson surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English 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 Dickinson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Dickinson trace back to Old English. 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 | Dickinson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Dickin |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,324 |
| US Count (2010) | 26,607 |
| Per 100K People | 9.02 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Dickinson
According to the US Census, the Dickinson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 26,607 Americans with the Dickinson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 89.69% |
| Black | 4.78% |
| Hispanic | 2.56% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.78% |
| Native American | 0.48% |
| Two or More Races | 1.71% |
Popularity of Dickinson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Dickinson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Dickinson surname increased by 463 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Dickinson
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Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Dickinson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dickinson
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