The name Hicks is of English origin and has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. It is an occupational surname, meaning that it was originally given to individuals who worked in a specific trade or held a particular position.
In the case of Hicks, the name is derived from the Old English word "hicce", which referred to a person who made or sold shoes. The role of a shoemaker was an important one in medieval society, as footwear was essential for protection and comfort during daily activities. Therefore, people with the surname Hicks were likely skilled craftsmen who played a vital role in their communities.
Over time, the name Hicks has evolved and spread beyond its original English borders. Today, it is found throughout the world, carried by individuals of various backgrounds and nationalities. While some families may have passed down the name through generations, others might have adopted it more recently due to migration or other factors.
Despite its occupational origins, the name Hicks does not have a specific meaning or significance beyond its connection to the shoe-making trade. However, those who bear this surname can take pride in their ancestors' contributions to society and their role in preserving this unique piece of history.
In terms of popularity, Hicks is not among the most common surnames globally. According to data from the United States Social Security Administration, it ranks around 3,000th in frequency among given names. Despite its relative rarity, however, Hicks remains a distinctive and memorable name with a fascinating story behind it.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Hicks has had a fluctuating popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1913 and 1935, there were periods where the name was more commonly given to newborns, with peaks of 9 births in 1919 and 8 births in both 1914 and 1921. However, during this time, it was not a very popular choice for parents, as shown by the lowest figures of 5 births in multiple years.
From 1952 onwards, there is no further data provided to indicate how the popularity of the name Hicks has changed over subsequent decades or centuries. Despite the lack of recent statistics, we can infer from the historical data that this name was not one of the most frequently chosen options for newborns during the early 20th century in the United States.
In total, according to the provided statistics, there were 74 births with the name Hicks between 1913 and 1952. This represents a limited but steady presence among American baby names over this period.