Picken

This name has a number of possible derivations. The most likely coming from the Olde English "pic" meaning a "point" or "pick-axe". Pickin or Picken are the diminutive forms of the name which was probably applied to someone who used a pick or pickaxe as an agricultural instrument or excavating tool. The Medieval English "pike" meant a pike fish and Alexander le Pik who was a fishmonger is recorded in the London Pipe Rolls of 1292. The name Pikeman is similarly derived and meant "a seller of pike (fish)". In the modern idiom the name has at least five spelling variations, including Pyke, Pike, Picken etc. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Aluric Pic. which was dated 1066, in the "Domesday Book of Devonshire". during the reign of King William 1, known as "William the Conqueror" 1066 - 1087. 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.