Pickle is an English surname. Derived from Middle English pighel, meaning "small field", the name likely originated as a topographic surname for someone who lived by or owned a small enclosed piece of land. The term pighel itself is of uncertain origin, possibly related to Old English pic ("pointed object") or a variant of pightel (a small field or enclosure).
As a surname, Pickle is relatively uncommon in the United Kingdom, but it has a modest presence in the United States. According to the 2010 United States Census, Pickle ranks as the 9,493rd most common surname in the country, with 3,425 bearers. The vast majority of these individuals (94.22%) identify as White. The name's distribution suggests a primarily Anglo-American heritage.
The surname may also have variants such as Pichel or Piggle, though these are rare. While the name shares its spelling with the common food item, the etymological root is unrelated, stemming instead from land-related vocabulary.
Notable Bearers
Notable individuals bearing the surname Pickle include American politicians such as J. J. Pickle, a U.S. Representative from Texas, and his son, J. J. "Jake" Pickle. Additionally, the name appears in the entertainment industry, notably with actor and comedian Tom Pickle. Despite its modest frequency, the surname has maintained a consistent presence in American public life.
- Meaning: Derived from Middle English pighel 'small field'
- Origin: English (topographic)
- Type: Surname
- Usage regions: English-speaking countries, especially the United States
User Submissions
Sources: Wiktionary — Pickle