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Pickering Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the Pickering Surname

Pickering is an English toponymic surname, originating from the town of Pickering in North Yorkshire. This name has been part of the English landscape since the early 13th century, rooted in the country's rich historical tapestry. As a family-history term, "Pickering" evokes a sense of place and lineage, marking the beginnings of a family tree that would unfold over the centuries, offering descendants a connection to their ancestral past.

The Pickering surname began its journey in the Yorkshire region, steadily expanding during the medieval period. By the 14th and 15th centuries, Pickering families were establishing themselves across England, with branches forming through marriage and commerce. This geographical and cultural spread of the Pickering family tree reflects the broader societal changes of the time, as people moved for economic opportunities and land ownership evolved.

YourRoots dataset enriches our understanding of the Pickering genealogy by confirming its early presence in England, particularly from the 13th century. It highlights the surname's expansion from its Yorkshire origins, showing how Pickering families migrated and integrated into various social structures over the centuries. This data complements the historical narrative, illustrating the name's proliferation into colonial territories by the 17th century, especially in North America.

Today, Pickering records showcase a global presence, with the surname appearing in genealogical databases worldwide. YourRoots offers invaluable insights for researchers delving into the Pickering family tree, providing a bridge between historical contexts and contemporary genealogical research. This continuity underscores the enduring legacy of the Pickering name across generations and continents.

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

The Pickering surname first appeared in historical records within England during the early part of the 13th century, marking the genesis of a family lineage that would evolve significantly over the centuries. This early mention connects to the beginnings of family trees, providing a foundation for descendants to trace their ancestry back to these initial bearers of the name. The origins of the surname are rooted in the rich tapestry of English history, indicating a lineage that has been part of the cultural and social fabric of the region for many generations.

Genealogy and Early Family History of Pickering

During the 13th century and into the 14th century, the Pickering family began to establish itself across various regions in England, with notable concentrations in Yorkshire and surrounding areas. As the centuries progressed, especially in the late medieval period, families bearing the Pickering surname started to expand their branches, forming distinct family lines and contributing to the growing complexity of their genealogical histories. This expansion reflects the societal changes of the time, including shifts in land ownership and the movement of populations.

The 15th century saw further proliferation of the Pickering name, as families spread into new territories and established connections through marriage and commerce, enriching the family tree. By the 16th century, the Pickering surname had become more widespread, leading to an increased presence in historical records as families sought to document their lineage and status. This period marked a significant development in the family’s history, as the name continued to resonate within English society.

Tracing the Pickering Family Tree Through the Centuries

The surname Pickering not only flourished in England but began to expand into other regions over the centuries. By the 17th century, families with the Pickering name had started to emerge in colonial territories, notably in North America, as migration patterns shifted and people sought new opportunities across the Atlantic. This global spread continued into the 18th century, as more Pickering families settled in places far from their English roots, further diversifying their genealogical branches.

In the 19th century, the Pickering surname saw a significant presence in the United States, particularly as families emigrated in search of better fortunes and new beginnings. This trend continued into the early 20th century, where the name was recorded in various regions, reflecting a dynamic family history that transcended borders. The growth of the Pickering name illustrates a rich tapestry of connections and stories within the broader context of family genealogy.

Where to Find Pickering Genealogy Records Today

In contemporary times, the Pickering surname has a global presence, with records appearing across several countries. The 20th century

Famous People with Pickering (and Their Family Tree)

Adrienne Pickering

Adrienne Pickering, an accomplished Australian actress born on February 22, 1981, in Queensland, has made significant contributions to television and film. Known for her versatile acting skills, Pickering gained recognition for her roles as Elly Tate in "headLand" and Detective Christine Taylor in the BBC-commissioned soap opera "Out of the Blue." She also appeared in "Home and Away" as Natalie Franklin and starred in the 2010 drama-thriller film "The Reef." Her portrayal of Melissa "Missy" Partridge in the ABC drama "Rake" further cemented her position in the entertainment industry, along with her role as Erin Rogers in "Neighbours."

Timothy Pickering

Timothy Pickering was a significant figure in early American politics, serving as the third United States Secretary of State under Presidents George Washington and John Adams. A Harvard graduate, Pickering held multiple roles, including Postmaster General and Secretary of War. His political career extended into both houses of Congress, representing Massachusetts as a Federalist. Known for his opposition to the Embargo Act of 1807 and his leadership in the New England secession movement, Pickering was also a key military leader during the American Revolutionary War and contributed to the drafting of military manuals.

Born on July 17, 1745, in Salem, Massachusetts, Timothy Pickering was the son of Deacon Timothy and Mary Wingate Pickering. He was one of nine children and had a notable brother, John Pickering, who became the Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. In 1766, he married Rebecca White of Salem, further rooting his family ties in Massachusetts.

Ron Pickering

Ron Pickering, renowned athletics coach and BBC sports commentator, left an indelible mark on British sports. Born in 1930, he transitioned from teaching to coaching, notably guiding Lynn Davies to Olympic gold in 1964. His BBC commentary career spanned over two decades, with notable roles in "We Are the Champions" and "Superstars." Pickering's contributions to athletics were recognized with an OBE in 1986. Posthumously, the Ron Pickering Memorial Fund, established by his wife Jean, continues to support young athletes.

Pickering was born in Hackney, where his father worked as a sign fixer. He met his future wife, Jean Desforges, at West Ham Secondary School. Their son, Shaun Pickering, continued the family's athletic legacy, competing in shot put at the 1996 Summer Olympics.

Charlie Pickering

Charlie Pickering, born on August 29, 1977, in Melbourne, is a renowned Australian comedian, television and radio presenter, author, and producer. He hosts the popular ABC news satire show, The Weekly with Charlie Pickering, and co-hosts Tomorrow Tonight with Annabel Crabb. Known for his role as a former co-host on The Project, Pickering has also made his mark in radio and literature, with his first book, Impractical Jokes, published in 2010. His career is marked by numerous achievements, including awards for his comedy performances and notable television appearances, enhancing his visibility in the entertainment industry.

Pickering is married to Sarah Krasnostein, and together they have two children. In 2013, he converted to Judaism, reflecting a personal transformation within his family life.

Thomas R. Pickering

Thomas Reeve Pickering is a distinguished former American diplomat, renowned for his extensive four-decade-long career in the Foreign Service. He held several high-profile ambassadorships, including roles in Russia, India, Israel, and the United Nations. Notably, he served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations from 1989 to 1992, where he played a pivotal role during the First Gulf War. Pickering also served as Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs from 1997 to 2000 and holds the prestigious rank of Career Ambassador. His career is marked by critical involvement in international affairs, including the Iran–Contra affair and U.S. diplomatic relations during the Persian Gulf Crisis.

Thomas Pickering was born in Orange, New Jersey, to parents Hamilton Reeve Pickering and Sarah Chasteney Pickering. He was raised in Rutherford, New Jersey, where he graduated from Rutherford High School before pursuing higher education at Bowdoin College and Tufts University. His family background and early life in New Jersey laid the foundation for his illustrious diplomatic career.

Pickering Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "Pickering" is an English toponymic name originating from the town of Pickering in North Yorkshire. It denotes a geographic connection to this location.

Where to Find Genealogy Records for Pickering

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 Pickering family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Pickering surname to learn more.