The Nixon Family History

What Does the Nixon Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Nixon has its roots in England, Ireland, and Scotland, deriving from the Middle English term ‘nikke,’ a diminutive form of the name Nicholas. Variations of the surname include Nicheson, Nickson, Nicksoun, and Nickson. Historically, the majority of individuals bearing the Nixon surname have resided in northern England, particularly in Cumberland, for many centuries. Over the past century, they have predominantly settled in regions such as Northumberland, Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Staffordshire. In Scotland, the Nixon name appears throughout the country, with concentrations in Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, Ayrshire, Dunbartonshire, Midlothian, and Angus. In the United States, the Nixon family name first emerged in states including Pennsylvania, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Illinois, Alabama, Texas, Georgia, and New York. Noteworthy individuals associated with the Nixon surname include Richard M. Nixon, the 37th President of the United States; actress Cynthia Nixon; professional baseball player Donell Nixon; champion motorcycle racer Gary Nixon; musician and composer Roger Nixon; Scottish rugby player James Nixon; pioneering submarine designer Lewis Nixon; professional football player Mike Nixon; William H. Nixon, founder of American Times Magazine and author; and Paul Nixon, a footballer who represented New Zealand.