Surname Cock - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'C'
Cock: What does the surname Cock mean?
The surname Cock or Cocks is of English origin and is part of a category of surnames that were based on the occupation or personal characteristics of the original bearer. In this case, Cock is a derivative of the Old English word 'cocc', which means a rooster. It was typically given as a nickname to a young lad who strutted proudly like a rooster or acted in a cocky manner. It could also have been given to a natural leader, or someone who rose early in the morning.
Alternatively, Cock could be an occupational surname for a man who kept or looked after fighting cocks, or for someone in charge of a 'cock boat', a small rowing boat used to ferry passengers from a ship to the shore, sometimes also known as a 'cockleshell'.
Surname meanings can vary based on regional dialects, ancient vernacular, and societal and personal uses at the time the name was granted. Therefore, it's important to note that the meanings provided here are general interpretations.
Order DNA origin analysisCock: Where does the name Cock come from?
The last name Cock has Anglo-Saxon origins and derives from an old personal name 'Cocc'. This name was a popular baptismal and nickname in the Middle Ages and is thought to have originated as a term of endearment. However, it's also linked to the trade of a 'cockfighter' or keeper of game birds.
The surname became family names as we know them today during and after the Norman Conquest of 1066, when the norm of using the father's first name as a surname was established.
A variety of the name, Cocks, is fairly popular in England. It is particularly common in the West Midlands county.
The different variations of the name in other countries include Koch in Germany, Cook in England and America, and de Cook in Belgium. As immigration occurred throughout history, the surname became widespread, including across Europe, Australia, and America. However, the name, especially in its Cock variation, is less common today due to its potentially offensive connotations in modern English.
Variations of the surname Cock
The surname Cock could have several variants and could be spelled in different ways depending on the geographical location, dialect, and other factors. Traditional variations of the surname Cock can include Cocks, Cocke, Coak, and Coake. Some other variants and similar sounding surnames might be Cook or Koch, the latter being a German version.
It is also possible that in some cases the surname Cock may have evolved into or from surnames like Cox or Cockson. Additionally, it should be noted that many names were often spelled as they sounded to the person transcribing them, leading to a vast array of spellings within parish records and censuses.
As for surnames of the same origin, this depends on what that origin is. If it's British, possible related surnames could be similar occupational names (assuming Cock comes from the occupation of a "cock fighter"), or names derived from animals or birds like Hart (deer) or Hawk.
It should be noted though that the meaning of a surname can change significantly across different cultures and languages, so similar bird-related surnames in another language might be completely unrelated to Cock.
Famous people with the name Cock
- Jason Cock: An Australian rower who participated in the 2008 Summer Olympics.
- Andrew Cock: A British swimmer who competed in the 1980 Summer Olympics.
- Adrian Cock: A multi-instrumental musician and composer, best known for his work on original game soundtracks.
- Ellen Cock: A Dutch cricketer who played for the Dutch national team.
- Ali Cock: An Australian field hockey player.
- Bryan Joe Cock: A Norwegian musician.
- Jim Cock: An Australian rules footballer who played for St Kilda Football Club during the 1920s.
- Tom Cock: An American golfer who played on the PGA Tour in the 1920s-30s.
- Jessie Cock: An American novelist.
- George Cock: An English football player and manager.
- Glenda Cock: A South African field hockey player.
- Frits Cock: A Dutch Olympic gymnast.
- Laurie Cock: An Australian rules footballer.
- Trevor Cock: A British architect.
- Archibald Cock: A Scottish footballer.
- Danielle Cock: A Canadian actress best known for her role in the TV series "Heartland".
- Charles Cock: A painter from Belgium. There are probably more notable people with the last name Cock, but these are among the most known.