Show ContentsPickerel History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Pickerel

What does the name Pickerel mean?

The Pickerel surname is derived from the Middle English word "pykerell," meaning "young pike;" as a name, it is thought to have evolved from a nickname for a sharp and aggressive person, or perhaps as an occupational name for someone who caught or sold these fish.

Early Origins of the Pickerel family

The surname Pickerel was first found in Norfolk, where the name appeared in the late 12th century. The name undoubtedly originates from the middle English word pykerel, meaning a young pike, but the original significance of the name is uncertain. Pike are extremely vicious fish, and so the name may have belonged to someone with a nasty, short-tempered or violent disposition. Another possibility is that the name was occupational in origin referring to one who fished pike for a living.

Early History of the Pickerel family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Pickerel research. Another 57 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1199 and 1240 are included under the topic Early Pickerel History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Pickerel Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Pikerel, Pickerell, Pickerill, Pickrell, Pickrill and many more.

Early Notables of the Pickerel family

More information is included under the topic Early Pickerel Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Pickerel Ranking

In the United States, the name Pickerel is the 17,610th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 1

Migration of the Pickerel family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Abigail Pickerell, and Mary Pickerell who both arrived in Maryland in 1665; Michael Pickerell, who came to Maryland in 166; and Gabriell Pickerell, who came to Virginia in 1705..


Contemporary Notables of the name Pickerel (post 1700) +

  • Mark Pickerel, American drummer
  • Jack Pickerel, American Democratic Party politician, Candidate in primary for Missouri State House of Representatives from Buchanan County 3rd District, 1964


  1. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/


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