Surname Nicken - Meaning and Origin
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Nicken: What does the surname Nicken mean?
The surname Nicken is not widespread and its origins are unclear due to minimal historical documentation, so it's difficult to provide a definitive meaning. However, as is common practice, a surname often denotes an occupational role, geographical location, or a person's characteristics in many cultures.
Nicken could potentially be associated with the old English word 'nicken,' which suggests a connection to the water bodies, more specifically a dip or bend in a river. In local dialects, it may also refer to a small, quick movement or gesture, a nod or a wink.
Another interpretation could be a variant of the more common surname Nickens, predominantly found among English or Germanic cultures. This last name likely derives from the given name Nicholas, which in turn comes from the Greek name Nikolaos, meaning 'victory of the people'.
As surnames can hold different meanings in various cultures, without specific context or origins, it's challenging to provide a precise definition. It's best to check family records, ancestry databases, or conduct professional genealogical research for a more accurate understanding of individual family names.
Order DNA origin analysisNicken: Where does the name Nicken come from?
The last name Nicken is most commonly found in countries around the Baltic Sea, particularly in Germany, Denmark, and Sweden. According to records, the name is most commonly found in the northern German states of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Schleswig-Holstein, and in southern Denmark.
Looking at historical records, the surname is of Germanic origin and appears to have first emerged in the 13th century in Germany. It is possible that the family descended from a local chief. The Nicken family quickly spread across the region and eventually into Scandinavia.
Today, over 3,000 people share the Nicken surname around the world. In Germany, people bearing the name are often found in the city of Hamburg and in the states of Bavaria and Lower Saxony. Denmark’s largest cities of Aarhus and Copenhagen are also major centers for the name. The name is also found in other countries in the immediate region, such as Poland and Latvia.
Overseas, in the United States and Canada, the Nicken name is relatively rare. According to records, fewer than one hundred people in both countries share the name. This is likely because the Nicken family settled in Europe many centuries ago and have stayed there since.
Variations of the surname Nicken
Nicken is an English occupational surname derived from the Middle English term “nicher”, which means “to nick” or “to foundry.” In some cases, the name may have originated from the nickname for someone who “nickered” or “grumbled and moaned”. This name is also found in other parts of Europe, most commonly in Germany.
Variants and spellings of Nicken vary in many parts of Europe, though the most commonly used variations are Nicken, Nichin, Nycken, Nyken, Nickin, Niken and Nyken.
In Germany, the most common surname spelling is Nyken. In Holland, the most common surname spelling for Nicken is Nyken. Other surnames of the same origin in Germany include Nichols, Nicolai, Nicklaus, and Nikoleit, while in Holland they include Nycken, Nickel, and Nikkel. In Scotland, the surname is spelled Nickan.
In Ireland, the most commonly used variants of Nicken are Neenan and Nichon. In France, the surname can be spelled Nicken, Nicq, Niquel or Nyckel. In Wales, the surname spellings of Nicken are Nicen, Myken, and Nyken, while the variant spellings are Nickels, Nickells, and Nykels.
In other parts of Europe, the surname can be spelled Nicoli, Nikolo, Niquot, Nickot, Niquau, Niklas, Niklot, Nikoleta, and Nikoleti.
In the United States, the surname of Nicken is less common, but many variants can still be found. Variants include Niken, Nickens, Nickeny, Nykens, and Nickey.
Finally, in Australia, the surname of Nicken is also relatively uncommon, though some of the variants and spellings found in other parts of the world can be seen. Variations include Neeka, Nichol, Nicholls, Nickel, Niko, and Nikolic.
Famous people with the name Nicken
- Kurt Nicken: German football player; recently retired in 2020 after a decorated career.
- Lan Nicken: Chinese singer and actor known for his appearances in popular reality television show Super Idol.
- Jason Nicken: American actor best known for his roles in films such as Jennifer's Body, Warm Bodies, and 33.
- Marlene Nicken: German-Austrian photographer and film producer, and the founder of IMAstudio.
- Anne Nicken: American singer and songwriter, known for her critically acclaimed debut album Miss Perfection.
- Graham Nicken: British actor who appeared in the Harry Potter film series as a minor character in The Half-Blood Prince and Deathly Hallows Part 2.
- Gregg Nicken: British racing driver who has competed in the World Touring Car Championship since 2008.
- Bram Nicken: Dutch artist whose works have been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world.
- Erich Nicken: Austrian author of several international best-selling non-fiction books.
- Angela Nicken: Australian fashion designer whose work has been featured in numerous magazines and fashion shows.