Definition of the word dickens

The surname "Dickens" originated from the Old English personal name "Dicca," which itself was derived from the Old English "dic" meaning "son of." The name "Dicca" became "Dykyson" in Middle English and eventually evolved into "Dickenson" in the 16th century. It is believed that the name "Dickens" was a variant of "Dickenson" that emerged in the 19th century, during the time when its most famous bearer, Charles Dickens, rose to literary prominence. The popularity of the Dickens surname increased significantly during this time, influenced by the author's status as a cultural icon. Today, "Dickens" is still a relatively common surname in English-speaking countries, especially in the United States and the United Kingdom, where it can be traced back to the Anglo-Saxon period.