Hickerson
An English-language surname most likely formed as a patronymic, meaning “son of Hicker,” a nickname or reduced form related to Richard or another similar given name.
The #6,700 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 61,247 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Hickerson is best understood as an English patronymic surname: the ending -son means “son of,” while Hick- points to a short form or nickname. In medieval English, Hick was a familiar pet form used for several given names, especially Richard, and by extension could generate surnames like Hickson and Hickerson. The name therefore most likely originally meant “son of Hick,” rather than referring directly to a place or occupation.
History
The surname belongs to the wider English pattern of hereditary family names built from nicknames and personal names. Forms with -erson are especially common in later English and American usage, where spelling often became more regularized. Hickerson is now found chiefly in the United States, where it likely reflects descendants of earlier English or British immigrant lines.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
Hick was once a common medieval nickname, and it left traces in several surnames beyond Hickerson, including Hickman and Hickson.