First found in Kirkcudbrightshire, where they held a family seat from early times. They were descended from the ancient Pictish Clan Keith, and the first Dickson was son of Richard Keith, son of the great Marischal of Scotland, who died in 1249, and Margaret daughter of the third Lord Douglas. Hence the clan has always claimed to be followers of the Douglas clan.

In such difficult times, Ireland, Australia, and North America looked like better homes for many Scots. The trips were expensive and grueling, but also rewarding, as the colonies were havens for those unwelcome in the old country. That legacy did not die easily, though, and many were forced to fight for their freedom in the American War of Independence. The Scottish legacy has resurface in more recent times, though, through clan societies, highland games, and other organizations. Immigration and passenger lists have shown many early immigrants bearing the old Scottish name of Dixon: Joan Dickson who settled in Pennsylvania in 1682; Stephen Dickson settled in Virginia in 1619; one year before the "Mayflower"; William Dickson settled in Maryland in 1719.

Motto Translated: Fortune favours the Bold.

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