Surname Piken - Meaning and Origin
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Piken: What does the surname Piken mean?
The surname Piken does not have a well-known or widely documented meaning. Like many surnames, it may have various possible origins. It could be derived from the Middle English word "piken", meaning to pick or peck, indicating an occupation such as a farmer or miner. Alternatively, it may be a variation of the Jewish surname Piken, derived from the Hebrew name Pinchas, meaning 'oracle.' In some cases, it could have been given to someone from a region with a significant population of woodpeckers, as 'piken' is similar to the old English word for woodpecker. Without specific genealogical evidence, the exact meaning and origin of the surname Piken remains uncertain. As the spelling and pronunciation of surnames have changed over the centuries, tracking their original meaning can often be challenging.
Order DNA origin analysisPiken: Where does the name Piken come from?
Today the surname Piken is most commonly found in Eastern Europe, specifically in Lithuania, Latvia, and Ukraine. It is thought to have originated in the Jewish culture of the area, as it is most often used by Jewish families living in these regions. In addition, it can be found in Germany, Russia, Belarus, Poland, and Hungary.
The surname Piken is not as widely spread as some other Eastern European surnames. However, those who go by it are often proud of their heritage and the meaning behind it. The surname was created to signify the unusual colors a member of the family had. The colors assigned to family members could be anywhere from dark brown to pale white. It is thought that ancestral members of the Piken family were distinguished by these unique shades, and thus the name was born.
Today, many families still keep the unique tradition of assigning colors to their family members. It has served as a meaningful reminder of their roots and how their family members were identified.
Despite its limited reach in certain parts of the world, the Piken name is an interesting and meaningful one that is certainly worth mentioning. With a significant reputation in Eastern Europe, many Piken families have held onto its importance for generations.
Variations of the surname Piken
The surname Piken is derived from the Old English words 'pycce', meaning 'piece' and 'tun', meaning 'town'. It refers to a person who originally came from or lived not far from a piece of land. Variants for the name Piken include Pyken, Picken, Picken, Pickenham and Pyckin.
Pyken is a common spelling variant, while Picken, Picken, Pickenham and Pyckin are less common. Pickin is the rarest variant, while Pickenham is the most commonly found.
The surname Piken is also associated with other surnames of similar origins. These include Picknett, Pickett, Pickerill, Pixell and Pykenham. The spelling variants for these names are similar to those of the name Piken.
In Germanic countries, the surname Piken has evolved into the surnames Bicken, Bickel, Bickenheuser and Bessken. In Ireland, the name Piken is associated with the surname Pechon.
In France, Piken is associated with the surnames Piquen and Pieken. In Spain, Piken is associated with the surnames Pechón and Pecharromán. In Italy, the surname Piken is associated with the surnames Piaccia, Piecioni and Picchena. In Russia, the surname Piken is associated with the surnames Pikin and Pikunov.
Overall, there are many variants and spellings for the surname Piken. While some are very similar, others have evolved to become quite different in spelling or pronunciation. Regardless of any spelling or regional variant, the surname Piken is associated with someone coming from or living near a piece of land.
Famous people with the name Piken
- Lynn Piken Kreiger: Film Producer and Emmy-nominated director.
- David Piken: Professor of Anesthesiology at the University of Colorado.
- Brian Piken: Russian-American artist and illustrator.
- Zita Piken: Israeli actress.
- Jim Piken: Entrepreneur and former executive of the Blockbuster Video chain.
- Alan Piken: American businessman who purchased the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA).
- Gezel Piken: Founder of the Jewish education program at the YIVO Institute.
- Steven Piken: Entomologist and former professor at the University of Florida.
- Jay Piken: Music producer, songwriter and composer.
- Valery Piken: Retired Soviet figure skater.