Thick

The surname THICK is of English origin, dating back to the medieval period. It is believed to have derived from the Old English word "thicc," which meant "dense" or "compact." The name likely referred to a person with a sturdy or stocky build, or perhaps someone with a thick head of hair.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name appears in the Pipe Rolls of Gloucestershire in 1195, where a certain William Thick is mentioned. The name is also found in the Hundred Rolls of Oxfordshire from 1273, which lists a John le Thikke.

During the 13th and 14th centuries, the surname was commonly spelled as "Thikke," "Thycke," or "Thyck," reflecting the variations in pronunciation and spelling conventions of the time. These early spellings are believed to have evolved from the Old English word "thicc" or its Middle English variant "thikke."

One notable bearer of the THICK surname was Sir Robert Thick, a prominent landowner and knight who lived in the late 14th century. He is mentioned in several historical records, including the Patent Rolls of 1397, where he is referred to as "Robert Thick of Gloucestershire."

In the 15th century, the surname appears in the records of the Guild of Corpus Christi in York, where a certain Thomas Thick is listed as a member in 1459. This suggests that the name had spread to various parts of England by that time.

Another interesting reference to the THICK surname can be found in the Paston Letters, a collection of correspondence from the Paston family of Norfolk, dated between 1422 and 1509. One letter, written in 1469, mentions a person named John Thick who was involved in a legal dispute over land ownership.

As the centuries passed, the surname continued to be found in various parts of England. One notable bearer was Richard Thick, a merchant and alderman in the city of Bristol, who lived from 1578 to 1645. He was a prominent figure in the city's trade and governance during the early 17th century.

In the 18th century, the name appears in the records of the Society of Friends (Quakers) in Pennsylvania, where a family by the name of Thick had settled after emigrating from England. One member, Joseph Thick, born in 1723, became a respected minister and leader within the Quaker community.

Throughout its history, the THICK surname has been associated with various occupations, including landowners, merchants, tradesmen, and clergymen. While not a particularly common name, it has left its mark on the historical records of England and beyond, reflecting the diverse paths taken by those who bore this distinctive surname.