Tick Family History

Altered form of Jewish Tyk, a metonymic occupational name or artificial name from Polish tyk ‘ticking’ (textile; of a clock). English (Middlesex): nickname from Middle English tike ‘dog bitch’ (Old Norse tík) used as a term of abuse for a low-born or lazy person.

Alternatively, it could derive from Middle English tik(e) ‘tick’ (Old English ticia), denoting a blood-sucking insect. The surname may also originate from the Old English personal name Tica, whose etymology is uncertain.

Additionally, Tica may actually be a form of Ticcea. This surname is rare in Britain and Ireland.