Surname Wick - Meaning and Origin
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Exploring the Genetic Roots of the Surname Wick: An Insightful Journey Through iGENEA DNA Test
As a carrier of the surname Wick, taking a DNA test at iGENEA was an enlightening journey, retracing the roots of the family name and understanding its intricate link with Western European heritage. The accuracy and detailed information provided was highly impressive, highlighting not only geographical roots, but also potential relations and shared history lingering within.
I. Wick
read moreWick: What does the surname Wick mean?
The surname Wick is of Old English origin and is derived from the word "wic," which originally meant "settlement" or "village". It was commonly used to denote location or occupation, indicating individuals who either lived near, or worked in a settlement or a dairy farm. Wick is a habitational name, as it was typically bestowed upon people who resided in or near such places. It is particularly associated with places near bodies of water, such as a river or a sea where trading activities were most likely taking place. Over the centuries, the name has evolved and is carried by individuals and families worldwide. There are numerous places in England and Scotland which bear the name Wick or have the element in their names, reflecting its prevalence and the influence of such settlements in history.
Order DNA origin analysisWick: Where does the name Wick come from?
The surname Wick is a topographical name of Old English origin. It is a locational name referring to people who lived at a wick, which is an Old English word that refers to a "dwelling." The Wick name is most concentrated in the British Isles today, with particularly high concentrations in Scotland and Northern Ireland. In England, most of the Wick surname is found in the Yorkshire region and its surrounding areas. It is also quite common in the North West Midlands, with significant numbers in Manchester, Birmingham, and Liverpool.
Outside of the British Isles, the Wick surname is fairly common in the United States. According to the U.S. Census, there are approximately 18,000 Americans with the Wick surname. The highest concentrations of the Wick surname are found in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York.
The Wick surname is also found in Canada and Australia. In Canada, the highest concentrations of the Wick surname can be found in the major metropolitan areas of Toronto, Ontrio, Vancouver, British Columbia, and Edmonton, Alberta. In Australia, the Wick name is found mostly in the Victoria and New South Wales provinces.
The Wick surname is a relatively common name, especially in the British Isles, North America, Australia, and Canada. Today, it is spread around the globe and continues to grow in popularity as more people bear the Wick name.
Variations of the surname Wick
The surname Wick is an ancient Anglo-Saxon name that has evolved over many centuries. It is first found during the Middle Ages in southeast England, particularly in the counties of Kent and Sussex. The original spelling of the surname was Weocca, which has since evolved to Wike, Wicke, Wigge, and Wick.
Variated spellings of the Wick surname have local dialectical influences. For example, in East Anglia the surname is often found as Wyke or Wigg, whilst in Northern England it appears as Widge or Widge. In Dorset and Devon, Wygge is frequently encountered. Additionally, the old English 'y' was often used for letters 'i' or 'e', which results in spellings such as Wicke, Wike, Wyke, Wigge or Wygge.
Variants of the Wick surname have also appeared over the centuries. In some cases, they are derived from a combination of location and the Wick surname: Wicken, Wicking, Wickon, Wicks, Wix, and Vivian are some of the spelling variations found inside the UK. In other cases, the name has been changed for various reasons, resulting in the variants Vicke and Wyck.
Finally, there are several surnames of similar origin that share the same roots as Wick. Notable examples include Wigson, Wickson, Wixon, and Witrick.
Famous people with the name Wick
- Halle Berry as 'Helena Harper Wick' in John Wick: Chapter 3: Parabellum
- Keanu Reeves as 'John Wick' in various John Wick films
- Antony Wick in films such as Silver Lining Playbook and Crash
- Richard Wick, actor in Longmire and The Nine Lives of Fritz the Cat
- Tommy Lee Wick, Art Director in various television shows
- Piper Wick, a singer and songwriter
- Justin Wick, actor with roles in Ant-Man and Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials
- Jane Wicker, aerobatics pilot killed in a mid-air collision
- Maria Wick, American actress
- Peter Wick, screenwriter and producer