Surname Dik - Meaning and Origin
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Dik: What does the surname Dik mean?
The last name Dik is of Dutch origin, and it is a common surname among Dutch-speaking countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, and even parts of Germany and France. Dik is thought to be derived from the Dutch word ‘dicker’, which means ‘strong’ or ‘thick’ and could possibly be an occupational nickname for a smith or a teamster. This theory is further supported by records of a Diker that lived from 1412-1443 in the Netherlands.
The meaning of the last name is primarily thought to be symbolic of an individual’s strength, reliability and solidity. As a name it is both distinctive and memorable.
The history of the Dik family is rich in roots and meaning, connecting it to many generations of family members spread across the world. Families with this surname can trace their roots to nearly every corner of the globe, and each individual branch of the family tree carries with it its own unique story and tradition.
The name Dik is an easily recognizable surname, and is a fitting choice for those who seek a strong, reliable surname that is both unique and memorable. It carries with it the symbolic power of strength and reliability, and is sure to be a treasured heirloom that carries on for generations.
Order DNA origin analysisDik: Where does the name Dik come from?
The last name Dik is most common in the Netherlands, with about 6,200 individuals bearing the name. It is also common in other Dutch-speaking areas in Europe. In Belgium there are around 1,500 people with the surname and in the French-speaking part of Belgium, 540 people carry the last name. Further afield, there are approximately 590 people in Canada, 434 in the United States, 320 in Germany, and 170 in Australia with the name.
The origin of the name Dik is uncertain, though it is likely a patronymic name from the medieval personal name Dick. This name is derived from the Old High German "dik," meaning "Powerful". It is likely that the later Dutch spelling of the name was influenced by the Dutch spelling of words beginning with the letter "D" – replacing the traditional "D" with a "T".
The name is often found among Dutch Jews, and can have a different origin. It is likely derived from the Yiddish name, “Dyck”, and used for those of Ashkenazic origin. In Schelto Patrick Dicke we also find the name Dicke, which is of German origin, and derived from the Middle High German “diuke”, meaning “powerful”.
The Dik surname is common in the Dutch provinces of South Holland, Zeeland, Drenthe, and Overijssel, as well as in the cities of Amsterdam and Rotterdam. The name is also common in the cities of Antwerp, Breda, Leiden, Utrecht, Almere, and Groningen.
Variations of the surname Dik
The surname Dik is an anglicized form of the Dutch surname 'Dijk' which means 'dike', 'dyke', or 'embankment'. The other variants of the surname are Dyck, Dyk, Dick, Dicke, and Dyke.
In Germany, the surname is pronounced differently (dee-k) and spelled "Dieck". It likely derived from the Middle High German word "dicke," meaning "oak." The surnames Dick, Deck, and Dirck also share a common origin with Dik.
The surname is also of South-African origin and is spelled 'Dyck', 'Dyk' or 'Deck'. It is derived from Afrikaans and Dutch and originates in the Netherlands and Germany. It is a patronymic (son of Dieck) name given to the first bearer's father or an ancestor.
In Scotland, the surname is 'Dicks' or 'Dix', deriving from the Old English personal name 'Dick'. It may also be a diminutive of 'Richard' meaning 'strong power'.
In The United Kingdom, 'Dik' is also one of the several spelling variants of the surname 'Drake', which means 'dragon' or ' serpent'.
In France, the surname is 'Dequidt' and is derived from the Gallo-Roman personal name 'Deicius'. It likely stems from the Vulgar Latin "deiciatus" which is derived from "deicere" meaning " to bind or tie together".
In The Netherlands, the surname is 'Dijkstra', which means one from the 'dike'. In some cases, it may refer to someone who lived nearby a dike.
The variant 'Dyke' is English in origin and is thought to have derived from a bearing of armor, a shield inscription, or a topographical feature and landmark. It is also a Dutch-language habitational name derived from any of a number of places, most of which are in what was once the duchy of Frisia.
Famous people with the name Dik
- Dirk Kuyt: Former Dutch professional soccer player
- Jeffrey Dik: Notable Dutch Olympic discus thrower and radio personality
- Dirk Nowitzki: Former professional German basketball player
- Dirk Schumacher: German professional goalkeeper
- Rarin Dirk: Professional Thai boxer
- Gert Jan Dik: Dutch marathon swimmer and long-distance runner
- Sander Michel Dirk: Dutch professional cyclist
- Dirk de Villiers: South African golf player
- Dirk van Dyke: Dutch actor
- Dirk van Tongeren: Dutch actor and director