Surname Pickett - Meaning and Origin

Peering into the Past: A Genetic Exploration of the Pickett Surname Through an iGENEA DNA Test

The iGENEA DNA test unveiled a journey through time, uncovering the intriguing backstory of the Pickett surname. The Picketts are primarily of British origin, specifically from England, with roots ingrained in the fabric of the ancient Celts and Vikings. Also, an unexpected Asian lineage emerged, opening up an array of historical possibilities in our ancestry.

R. Pickett

Pickett: What does the surname Pickett mean?

The surname Pickett is of Anglo-Saxon origin and said to derive from the Middle English word "piket," a pointed tool or weapon, such as a pick or pike. Consequently, it may have been a name given to someone who made or used such tools. Alternatively, it may be a diminutive form of the Old French name “Picot”, meaning “sharp, pointed.” Over time, the name may also have been adopted by those living near a picket fence or defensive palisade, known as a "picket" or "pickett." Therefore, Pickett could potentially refer to a tradesman, a characteristic, or a geographical location. Like many surnames, it may have evolved from any number of routes to its current usage, hence its meaning can differ among different families carrying the surname. Most bearers of the surname Pickett can be found in the United States, England, and Australia.

Pickett: Where does the name Pickett come from?

The last name Pickett is common today in certain areas of the United States, particularly in the South. According to Census Bureau data, the states with the most Picketts in 2020 are Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, Georgia, Virginia, Arkansas, Alabama, North Carolina, and Missouri.

The Pickett name originated with the English settlers who first arrived in the New World. The surname is derived from a regional English place name, which is itself a combination of the Old English elements pica (“point” or “sharp”) and had (“heath or woodland”). This place name originally indicated a location where a sharp point of land jutted out into a heath or wooded area. Over time, this place name was adopted as a surname by numerous English families.

Many individuals with the last name Pickett descend from John Pickett of Gloucester, Virginia, who first arrived in the colonies in 1650. His descendants moved throughout the South and have been found on the census in multiple states, including Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia.

Today, many Pickett families are still living throughout these same states. Picketts can be found in rural areas as well as in more urbanized regions. While the Pickett name may not be as frequent as it was in the past, those who bear the surname remain connected to their southern heritage.

Variations of the surname Pickett

The surname Pickett can have many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. These include "Pickard," "Picard," "Piggott," "Pigott," "Pigot," "Piggett," and "Picot." Pickett itself is thought to be derived from either the French Picard family, or from the old English name Pyggot.

The Picard family was established in Normandy in the 11th century, and was most likely derived from the Norse personal name "Pic", meaning agile or strong. As they spread throughout Europe, their name developed different spellings and variants, such as "Picard" and "Pigot".

The origin of the surname Pigot is not definite, but it is believed to be derived from either the old English “Pigott/Pyggot” or the French “Picot”. The name Piggot is believed to be derived from a small bundle, which was often given to clergy as an offering.

The variant "Picket" is believed to have derived from the name Picot, which means pointed object or spike, and later became associated with border defense. This variant is more common in the United States and Canada.

Other variants include "Piggott," which is an Anglicized version of the original French name. "Pickard" is thought to be derived from "Picard" or "Pigott," and is more common in the United Kingdom and Australia.

In summary, the surname Pickett is thought to have many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin, such as Pickard, Picard, Pigott, Pigot, Piggett and Picot. Pickett itself is believed to be derived from either the French Picard family, or from the old English name Pyggot. There are also variants such as Picket, Piggott, and Pickard.

Famous people with the name Pickett

• Bobby Pickett (singer and songwriter best known for "Monster Mash")
• Wilson Pickett (American singer-songwriter and record producer)
• Georgia Neese-Gray Pickett (American politician)
• Darnell Pickett (retired American football player)
• Louise Pickett (Australian Para-Olympic swimmer and medalist)
• Leslie Pickett (American former professional baseball player)
• Georgia Garrett Pickett (retired American basketball player)
• C.D. Pickett (American football player)
• Betsey Pickett (American author)
• Frank Pickett (Professional American football player)
• E.B. Pickett (American former NBA player)
• Billy Pickett (American major league baseball pitcher)
• Clay Pickett (Executive Director of the Arkansas Association of Conservation Districts)
• Robert E. Pickett (U.S. Air Force Major General)
• Andrew Pickett (English international cricketer)
• Bill Pickett (American rodeo performer and cowboy)
• Neca Pickett (American software designer and entrepreneur)
• Sid Pickett (American shadows and fog director)
• Phyllis Pickett (American theater director and producer)
• William Pickett (Australian shepherd and stockman credited with inventing the rodeo sport of bulldogging)

Other surnames

PickelPickelhauptPickelheimerPickelinPickellPickelsPickenPickensPickeralPickerdPickerelPickerillPickeringPicket