Dick is a surname derived from the Dick diminutive of Richard. The surname originated in medieval England as a patronymic or nickname. Like its variants Dickerson, Dickson, Dixon, and Hicks, the name Dick became common when Richard dominated English male given names. By the 14th century, the nickname had become a standalone surname, preserved in records bearing the base form. Etymology The given name Dick is a medieval diminutive of Richard, which itself means "brave ruler" from Old High German rih "ruler" and hart "brave". The rhyming change from Rick to Dick likely reflects the influence of Norman French on the initial consonant. European surnames often used Rick-type or Hick-type forms; the latter survives as Hicks. The cognates in other languages include Richard in German, the Scottish Ritchie, and Welsh ap Richard forms that became Prichard and Pritchard. Distribution and Notable Bearers According to data from the 2010 United States Census, Dick is the 1718th most common surname in the country and 88.26% of bearers are White. The surname is most dense in English-speaking regions but appears in Germany and Scotland as well. Individual immigrants named Dick from the British Isles helped spread the name internationally. Notable historical bearers include American Major General Alexander H. Dick (1797–1876), Charles Dick (1858–1945) who was an American golfer, and Robert Burns Dick (1874–1954) a British architect. More modern figures include Australian politician Jeff Dick and Scottish footballer Jim Dick. Cognates and Variants Meaning: British surname meaning "brave ruler" Origin: English Type: Patronymic Surname Usage: English-speaking countries Variants include Dickerson, Dickson, Dixon, Hicks, Richards