Surname Peck - Meaning and Origin
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R. Peck
read morePeck: What does the surname Peck mean?
The last name Peck is of English origin and is derived from an occupational surname for someone who dealt with measures, such as a trader or official who was responsible for assuring the accuracy of measured goods in markets. The specific measure referred to is the "peck", which is an old English measure of dry goods, particularly used for substances like grain or salt. The term "peck" also refers to 1/4 of a bushel, which is still used as a unit in the U.S. Alternatively, Peck may be a nickname for a peaceful person from the Middle English word "peck," referring to a woodpecker, a bird symbolizing peace. Hence, the surname Peck carries connotations of honesty, meticulousness, and peace.
Order DNA origin analysisPeck: Where does the name Peck come from?
The last name Peck is most common in the United States. It is estimated that there are around 60,000 individuals with this surname living in the country. It is particularly common in the states of New York and Massachusetts, where more than 10,000 people share this name.
In England, Peck is much less common. The most recent census data suggests that there are only around 5,000 individuals with this last name in the country. It is most commonly found in the East of England region, particularly in the counties of Essex, Hertfordshire, and Bedfordshire.
In addition, there are pockets of Peck individuals spread throughout the world. Smaller communities of the family exist in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In South Africa, the name has some history in the southern region of the country.
Overall, the last name Peck is most likely to be found in the United States, particularly in the eastern states.
Variations of the surname Peck
The surname Peck is of English origin and has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common variations are Pecke, Peake, Peek, and Pecks.
The original form of the name is Peck (or sometimes Pecke). This is derived from the Old and Middle English words pōc and pic, which both mean "peak, beak, promontory". The name was likely given to someone who lived near a peak or a promontory.
Variations of the name Peck include Pecke, Peake, Peek, Peke, Pack, Packe, Packey, Peak, Peeke, and Pak. Similarly, surnames derived from the same origin include Packerett, Packey, Pick, Picken, Pickin, Picken, Pyk, Pyke, Pyck, Pykett, Pyckett, and Pyckett.
The spelling 'Peck' is also among the surnames of Dutch origin. It is derived from the Dutch word 'pek' which refers to 'lined wood, planks'. The Dutch-origin Peck surname is largely found near the area of New Amsterdam (now present-day New York City). Variations of the Dutch-origin Peck surname include Pek, Peke, and Pecks.
In Medieval England, Pecks were associated with secondary landholding and it is possible that the original holders of this name originated in the feudal courts. It is also possible that those with the Peck surname are descended from warriors, most likely knights in the Knights Templar. The knightly aspect clue can be found in the occurrences of the Pecke Coat of Arms, which depicts a red lion holding a sword in front of four black helmets.
Famous people with the name Peck
- Gregory Peck: famed actor, best known for his Academy Award-winning performance in the classic To Kill a Mockingbird (1962).
- Caleb Peck: American artist, widely known for his unique assemblages and collages.
- Donald Peck: Principal flutist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra from 1980 to 2012.
- Marisa Gay Peck: American actress and producer, notably featured in films such as Jack and Jill (2011) and We’re the Millers (2013).
- Edwin Peck: American football player who played halfback for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1950.
- Henry Peck: American politician who served as a Crypto in the US Army during World War II.
- Ryan Pecks: an Australian journalist, editor, and author, most notably recognized for his book ‘Striking Out: A 20 Year History of Australian Cricket’ (2000).
- Veronica Peck: Artist and musician, best known for her unique electronic and experimental compositions.
- Art Peck: former chairman and CEO of Gap Inc., a major American retailer.
- Stacie Peck: Canadian-American actress, most notably featured in the comedy Keeping Up with the Steins (2006).