Surname Rickman - Meaning and Origin

Unravelling Ancestral Lineage and Migration Patterns through iGENEA DNA Testing: A Rickman Family Saga

After venturing into the fascinating world of genetic testing with iGENEA, I have unlocked remarkable insights into the history attached to my surname - Rickman. This process has revealed my genetic heritage heavily intertwined with Northern European roots, notably the Vikings and Saxons, besides presenting complex migration patterns spanning across the British Isles, Eastern Europe, and potentially the Mediterranean.

L. Rickman

Rickman: What does the surname Rickman mean?

The last name Rickman is an English name derived from a series of locations throughout the region of Britain. It is believed to be linked to a combination of Old English and Old Norse words, likely meaning "the dwelling of Ric (or Rick)."

In ancient English, Ric was a personal name meaning 'power' or 'powerful leader.' Old Norse influenced names beginning with Ric- often were given to individuals who displayed exemplary strength to take on roles of leadership. The suffix 'man' is thought to be derived from the Old Norse word 'mannr', meaning 'man'.

Today, the last name of Rickman is used to represent a fierce persona, though its historical roots reflect broad interpretations of the fellowship it may derive from. In its many forms, Rickman has been associated with various regions across the British Isles, potentially indicating a lineage with many branches and interpretations.

The many spellings of the Rickman last name (including Ricken, Rickman, Ryckman, Ryken, Ryckmans, Ryceman, Rickmans, and Rixman) can attest to this. Despite its variations and permutations, the Rickman surname has been linked to renewed strength, resilience, and leadership across generations.

Rickman: Where does the name Rickman come from?

The last name Rickman is primarily found in the United States. It is most common in the southern and midwestern states of Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee and Kentucky, as well as the southeastern parts of Ohio.

In addition, the name is also found in Louisiana, Illinois, Oklahoma, and Texas. Some parts of the northeast US, such as Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York also boast Rickman families.

The origin of the Rickman name is uncertain. Some sources suggest the name is derived from the German ‘Richer’ or ‘Rikker’, meaning “rich man” or “powerful ruler”; however, there is no conclusive evidence.

The earliest written evidence of the Rickman name comes from 1640 in New England. Later generations of the Rickman family eventually spread out to the previously mentioned states in the mid-1800s and their diverse backgrounds created an array of variant spellings, such as Reckman, Rikkman, Richman, Rixman and Ryckman.

Today, there are more than 4,100 people with the last name Rickman currently residing in the United States. The small, niche family continues to remain active in regional communities throughout the country.

Variations of the surname Rickman

The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Rickman are Rixon, Rickson, Rickinson, Rixson, Rickeson, Richman, Rickmane, Riceman, Rykinson, Rixeman, Rexman, Rixom, Rixen, and Ryckman.

The surname Rickman is of English origin and can be traced back to ancient Britain. It is derived from a location called Rychham which can be found in Dorset which is near the English Channel. The earliest recorded version of the name was Ricam in 1296, and the first recorded instance of the surname was the Ricson family living in Worcestershire in 1327. The spelling of the surname has changed over time and a few variations have developed, such as Rixon, Rickson, Rickinson, Rixson, Rickeson, Richman, Rickmane, Riceman, Rykinson, Rixeman, Rexman, Rixom, Rixen, and Ryckman.

The Rickman surname is found in high concentrations in the southern parts of England as well as Scotland and Ireland. It is most common in the cities of London, Bristol, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Glasgow. The surname has spread to other countries over time, where it is also found in the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Most spellings of the Rickman surname have been Anglicized over time, but some older versions may still be present in different areas. In some cases, the spelling of each individual’s surname may differ slightly from its original source. It is important to note that all of these variants are directly related to the Rickman surname and are part of its origin.

Famous people with the name Rickman

• Alan Rickman: English actor and director known for his roles in the Harry Potter film series, Die Hard, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Sense and Sensibility, and Love Actually.
• Lawrence Rickman: American actor best known for his roles in the film Leprechaun 3.
• Bruce Rickman: American computer programmer and astronomer who was part of the discovery team that found the Kuiper Belt object Eris.
• George Rickman: American film and television cinematographer, editor, and director best known for his work on films like Dirty Harry, The French Connection, and The Outlaw Josey Wales.
• Jeffrey Rickman: American game designer and programmer with a career that spans many different platforms, from atari to Nintendo and PC.
• Erik Rickman: Former NASCAR driver who won the Busch Series championship in 1984.
• Cliff Rickman: American voice actor known for his work in animated series, including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Beakman's World, and Cow and Chicken.
• Celine Rickman: French actress, writer, and director best known for her roles in films like Delicatessen and Les Visiteurs.
• Andrew Rickman: British entrepreneur and founder of the sustainable investment firm Henderson Rickman.
• Lowry Rickman: American professional racing cyclist and former U.S. national road champion.

Other surnames

RickmannRickmers