Origins of the name
D
I X O N / D I C K S O N
its clan and tartan associations
The Dickson/Dixon (and other derivates)
family name was first found in Scotland. Early records show
Thomas Dicson, a follower of the Douglas clan, at the capture of
Castle Douglas in 1307.
Although the name was Scottish in it's origin, with the
spelling of Dicson or Dickson (the most common usage in Scotland
today), being a Borders counties name it also spread to the north
and midlands of England to become a popular family name with the
spelling of Dixon.
It was during the 11th century that the use of surnames was
introduced to the British Isles by the Normans. They were usually
local (a place or landmark), patronymic ("son of"), a
trade or profession name, or a nickname.
The name Dixon/Dickson is a patronymic name, meaning
"Dick's son" or "son of Dick". Coming from
Scotland it might seem strange that it is not
"MacDick", but this is simply explained again by it's
Borders origins.
The ancient family motto is said to be "Fortes
Fortuna Juvat", which is Latin for "Fortune
Helps the Brave".
In his book The Border and Riding Clans and a
Shorter History of Clan Dixon, (published by Albany,
New York, 1888) B. Homer Dixon wrote:-
"In a charter from King Robert Bruce about A.D. 1306
to Thomas Dickson it [the name] occurs as Filius Ricardi (son of
Richard) and the Charter is endorsed Carta Thomas fil Dick."
"Nesbit in his Heraldry (Edinburgh, 1722) says 'The
Dicksons are descended from one Richard Keith, said to be a son
of the family of Keith's Earls Marshalls of Scotland.' and in
proof thereof carry the chief of Keith Marischal. This Richard
was commonly called Dick and the 'son' was styled after him. The
affix of son in the Lowlands answering to the prefix Mac in the
Highlands." 
Because of the connection to Richard Keith, the descendants of
Thomas Dickson are considered part of the Clan
Keith and use their tartan.
Clan Keith has the Latin motto "Veritas Vincit,"
which translates "Truth Conquers."
For three centuries the Keith family home was Dunottar
Castle near Stonehaven.
Thomas Dickson himself has quite a history. He was
associated in some way with William
Wallace (of "Braveheart"),
and he was killed by the English in 1307 in battle. Tradition
states that he was slashed across the abdomen but continued to
fight holding the abdominal wound closed with one hand until he
finally dropped dead. He is buried in the churchyard of St. Bride
of Douglas, and his marker shows him with a sword in one hand and
holding his belly with the other. Robert de Brus
(Bruce) had made him Castellan of Castle Douglas the year
before he was killed.
Scottish Genealogical sources
last
page update 24 June 2001 - robert.dixon@btinternet.com