Wickett

This interesting surname of English origin is derived from the old Norse personal name Vigot, itself being of uncertain origin. It can also be a topographical name for someone living near a wicket, or a small gate. The surname is recorded as Wigot and Wigod in the Domesday Book of 1086. Recordings include one, John Wiget (1182) "The Pipe Rolls of Worcestershire", and John Wigoe (1255) "the Hundred Rolls of Shropshire". Variations in the idiom of the spelling include Wycott, Weket, Wykett, Wicket Wicketts etc.. William, son of Thomas Wekket, was christened at St. Peter, Cornhill, London on November 12th 1539. Jane Wicket was christened at St. Peter Cornhill on October 21st 1541 and John, son of John and Katherin Wickett was christened at St. Dunstan, Stepney, on June 6th 1650. Mary, daughter of Mary and William Wickett was christened on November 23rd 1688 at St. Margaret, Westminster. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of John Wiket, which was dated 1180, "The Pipe Rolls of Worcestershire", during the reign of King Henry 11, "The Builder of Churches", 1154 - 1189. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.