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Pickard Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the Pickard Surname

The surname Pickard is an Anglicized version of the name Picard, originally signifying a person from Picardy, a historical region in northern France. This surname emerged in England during the early 16th century, marking its presence in the genealogical records as families established their roots in various communities. Over time, Pickard became an integral part of many family histories, reflecting a deep connection to the land and the communities in which its bearers lived.

The evolution of the Pickard surname is marked by its geographical and cultural spread, primarily throughout England. By the late 16th and early 17th centuries, the Pickard family had established significant lines, interconnecting with other families and expanding their branches. This period was pivotal for the Pickard genealogy as the family tree grew, maintaining close-knit relationships while gradually branching out over the generations. The surname later witnessed a broader migration beyond England, with descendants settling in the United States and other countries, illustrating the dynamic nature of the Pickard lineage.

The YourRoots dataset provides valuable insights into the Pickard family tree, confirming its earliest known appearance in England during the early 16th century. It further enriches the narrative by illustrating how the family expanded significantly during the late 18th and 19th centuries. This expansion was part of a larger pattern of migration, as Pickard descendants sought new opportunities in diverse locales across the globe. The YourRoots database serves as a crucial resource for those exploring their connections to the Pickard genealogy, offering a comprehensive view of the family's spread and evolution over the centuries.

Today, the Pickard surname has a global presence, with genealogical records appearing in regions like the United States and Australia. The YourRoots data highlights the enduring legacy of the Pickard name, providing meaningful connections for family history enthusiasts. This continuity between historical records and modern genealogical databases offers a rich tapestry of information for anyone tracing the Pickard family tree, making it an invaluable resource for understanding one's heritage.

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Origin of the Pickard Family: Where does the Pickard surname come from?

The Pickard surname has its earliest known appearance in England during the early 16th century, marking the beginning of a rich genealogical history. This initial record provides a glimpse into the origins of the family, suggesting a connection to the land and community in which they lived. As families began to form and evolve, the Pickard name became a foundational element in the genealogical tapestry of numerous descendants.

Genealogy and Early Family History of Pickard

Throughout the early centuries, the Pickard family began to spread primarily across England, establishing roots in various regions. The YourRoots database reveals that during the late 16th and early 17th centuries, notable family lines emerged, expanding their branches and interconnecting with other families. This period was crucial as it set the stage for the growth of the Pickard family tree, with families often remaining in close-knit communities while branching out over generations.

Tracing the Pickard Family Tree Through the Centuries

The expansion of the Pickard surname continued into the late 18th and 19th centuries, as members of the family began to migrate beyond England's shores. Prominent regions included parts of the United States and other countries, reflecting the broader patterns of migration and settlement during these centuries. This growth highlights the dynamic nature of the Pickard family tree, as descendants sought new opportunities and established their presence in diverse locales across the globe.

Where to Find Pickard Genealogy Records Today

In the modern centuries, the Pickard surname has seen a global spread, with records appearing in various regions, particularly in the United States and Australia. As families continue to grow and evolve, the legacy of the Pickard name remains significant in genealogical research. Readers are encouraged to explore the YourRoots database for further insights into their own family tree connections to the Pickard lineage.

Famous People with Pickard (and Their Family Tree)

William Leonard Pickard

William Leonard Pickard, born on October 21, 1945, is renowned for his involvement in the largest LSD manufacturing case in history. A former deputy director of the Drug Policy Research Program at UCLA, Pickard was arrested in 2000 alongside Clyde Apperson while transporting an LSD lab across Kansas. His academic endeavors included time at Princeton University and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. Known for his clandestine operations, Pickard produced LSD in various locations, avoiding attention by frequently relocating his labs. His operations were extensive, with a network reaching international markets.

Pickard hails from a well-to-do family; his father was a lawyer, and his stepmother was a fungal disease expert at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. His privileged background included a strong academic foundation as an honors student in high school.

Calvin Pickard

Calvin Pickard, born April 15, 1992, is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL. Known for his impressive performances, he was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the second round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Pickard has played for multiple teams, including the Vegas Golden Knights and the Toronto Maple Leafs. He gained recognition in the NHL for his solid goaltending skills and was instrumental in helping the Toronto Marlies win their first Calder Cup, earning the Harry "Hap" Holmes Memorial Award. His career highlights include being the first player selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft.

Thomas J. Pickard

Thomas Joseph Pickard, born on January 6, 1950, in Woodside, Queens, New York, is a notable figure in the history of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He served as the acting Director for 71 days in 2001, following the resignation of Louis Freeh. Pickard, a Democrat, is recognized for being one of the longest-serving acting directors of the FBI, alongside James B. Adams. His career highlights include overseeing high-profile cases such as the 1993 World Trade Center bombing trials and the TWA Flight 800 explosion. As a Certified Public Accountant, Pickard's expertise in finance and personnel operations significantly contributed to his leadership roles within the FBI.

Troy Pickard

Troy Ernest Pickard was a prominent Australian local government politician and businessman, known for his significant contributions as the mayor of the City of Joondalup from 2006 to 2017. His leadership roles extended to serving as deputy mayor of the City of Stirling and president of both the Western Australian and Australian Local Government Associations. Pickard's achievements include initiating the Ocean Reef Marina project and promoting high-density development in Joondalup. He was also recognized with multiple accolades, including the Local Government Medal posthumously, and had a lasting impact on the community with the creation of the Troy Pickard Young Achievers Award.

Chet Pickard

Chet Pickard, a former professional ice hockey goaltender, was born on November 29, 1989, in Moncton, New Brunswick. Notably, he played in the American Hockey League and the Deutsche Eishockey Liga, holding a German passport. Pickard was drafted 18th overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. He achieved significant milestones, including being named CHL Goaltender of the Year and winning the Del Wilson Trophy. Throughout his 13-year career, he played for teams like the Tri-City Americans and Grizzlys Wolfsburg, retiring in 2022.

Pickard was born to parents Cathy and Dan and has a younger brother, Calvin, who is also a professional goaltender. The family moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba, when Chet was eleven. He is married to Meghan Corbett, with whom he has a child born in October 2016.

Pickard Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "Pickard" is an Anglicized version of "Picard," originally referring to someone from Picardy, a historical region in France. It is borne by various notable individuals across diverse fields, including sports, politics, and the arts, such as Canadian ice hockey administrator Al Pickard and British poet Tom Pickard.

Where to Find Genealogy Records for Pickard

We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Pickard family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Pickard surname to learn more.