Surname Cocke - Meaning and Origin
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Cocke: What does the surname Cocke mean?
The surname Cocke is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English pre 7th Century personal name "Cocc" which was originally given as a nickname to a young lad, and later to a young man who was proud or haughty. The nickname was likely given for a variety of reasons such as a rooster's strut, bright plumage, or early rising. Thus, the surname could imply someone who is lively, aggressive, or an early riser like a rooster. It's important to note that during the era when surnames were being adopted, spelling was not yet standardized, and names were often recorded based on how they sounded. This resulted in many spelling variations, including Cock, Cocke, and others. The surname is first recorded in the late 12th Century in England and has since spread to other English-speaking countries. It is still a relatively common surname in present times.
Order DNA origin analysisCocke: Where does the name Cocke come from?
The surname Cocke is of English origin. It derives from the Middle English term "Cok", a nickname which means a leader or head of a group, likely used for a young lad who strutted about with the cockiness and assurance of a rooster or perhaps a natural leader among men. It may also have been given as a personal name. The first recorded person with this surname is one Ralph Cok in the tax rolls known as the "Feet of Fines" for the county of Essex in the year 1230.
Today, this surname is not very common worldwide. According to surname distribution data, it is most prevalent in the United States, with the highest density in Washington D.C. It is also found to a lesser extent in England, Australia, and Canada. Please note that the frequency and distribution of a surname can change over generations due to various factors like migration and natural population growth or decline. The prevalence and density of a surname does not signify the cumulative number of people who bear the surname.
Variations of the surname Cocke
The surname Cocke has several variants and is derived from an Old English personal name. Some of the most common variants and similar surnames include Cock, Cocks, Cox, Coxe, Cockson, and Cocking. Each of these surnames may have developed from either the personal name, a geographic location, or an occupational or status-related nickname. For instance, "Cox" is a commonly found variant, often resulting from a phonetic spelling of the surname.
In terms of spelling variations, you may encounter many due to the nature of phonetic spelling in historic documents. Variations may include single letter changes or additions like Coke, or double letter changes similar to Cokke. They might also include a combination of two variations like Cockes.
Occasionally, you may also come across versions of this surname in other languages that have similar meanings, like Hahn (German for "rooster") or Gallo in Italian and Spanish. These aren't direct variants of Cocke, but could be seen as international equivalents with a similar origin or meaning.
Famous people with the name Cocke
- Bessie Cocke: An American actress who appeared in a number of silent films in the 1920s.
- Green Peyton Cocke: A prominent businessperson and politician in the 19th century in the U.S.
- John Hartwell Cocke: A plantation owner and Brigadier General during the War of 1812.
- Richard Cocke: A British architectural historian and a leading authority on Norfolk's churches.
- Sue Cocke: A director known for her work on the drama series, "The Patient.”
- Simon Cocke: A well-known British chess player.
- Edward Thomas Cocke: A U.S. Representative from Georgia.
- Philip St. George Cocke: A brigade commander in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War.
- William Cocke: An American lawyer, pioneer, and statesman.
- John Cocke: An American computer scientist who helped develop reduced instruction set computing (RISC).
- Anne Cocke: A well-respected American poet.
- Lulie Wallace Cocke: A prominent American landscape designer in the first half of the 20th century.