Surname Nock - Meaning and Origin

Nock: What does the surname Nock mean?

The surname Nock is of English origin and dates back to the medieval times. It is derived from the Middle English word "nocke", which means "notch" or "nook", often used to describe a person who lived in a corner or nook of a village or town. It is therefore a topographical surname, given to someone based on their location or residence. This type of naming convention was fairly common in Europe during the Middle Ages. Therefore, if someone was identified as "from the nock," over time, the description would have evolved into a surname. Additionally, the term "nock" was also used in the context of archery, referring to the notch at the end of an arrow that holds it in place on the bowstring. Thus, it is possible that the surname could have been given to someone who made or traded in arrows.

Nock: Where does the name Nock come from?

The surname Nock is of English origin and is believed to have originated from the Old English term "atten ok" or "atten nook," which means "at the oak." Over time, "atten nook" was compressed into "Nock," and it was used to denote a person who lived near a distinguished oak tree.

The Nock surname seems to have several potential origins across the regions of Worcestershire, Shropshire, and the West Midlands. Some sources suggest it could be a topographic name derived from the Middle English word "nook," indicative of someone residing within or near an out-of-the-way corner of a field, or perhaps in a remote valley or hollow. It might also be an occupational name for someone who practiced the trade of producing or selling nautical items called nocks, which are used as the upper rear corner of a sail.

Today, the surname can be found in various parts of the world, thanks to immigration over the centuries. In the United States and the United Kingdom, the Nock surname is still relatively common. Other areas with a notable presence of the Nock surname include Canada and Australia.

Variations of the surname Nock

The surname Nock has a few variants and is related to several other surnames due to its origins. Some common variants and similar spellings include Noack, Noc, Noak, and Knock. It's also not uncommon to see the surname with an additional 'e' on the end, making it Noake or Noeke.

Nock is an English surname believed to have derived from the Old English word 'cnocc' meaning 'hilltop' or 'mountain peak'. It could also have stemmed from the personal name 'Noake', a variant of 'Noah'. Names similar in origin due to geographical connections include Hill, Peak, and Mountain.

In some instances, especially in German-speaking countries, the surname Nock could be a variant of the surname Noack, which is an occupational name for a farmer or a peasant and is derived from the Slavic word 'nojiti' meaning 'to use' or 'to cultivate'.

For Jewish families, the surname Nock could be Americanized or anglicized versions of surnames like Nockamzon, Knok, Noki, or similar-sounding names that immigrants changed to fit into American society.

Remember that the use and spelling of surnames can vary significantly based on geographical location, cultural shifts, and personal preference.

Famous people with the name Nock

• David Nock: David Alonzo Nock was an American racing driver who competed in the IndyCar series in the 1980s. He was Rookie of the Year in 1986 and finished third in the standings that year.
• Andy Nock: Andy Nock is a professional wakeboarder and has been since the late 1990s. He was the first rider to land a simple 720 in a competition, and continues to compete in the competitive wakeboarding circuit today.
• Rees Nock: Rees Nock is a British speedway rider who has competed in the Elite and Premier Leagues, and is currently the captain of the Redcar Bears.
• David Nock-Hood: David Nock-Hood is a British classical musician and Principal Horn player with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra since 1979.
• Will Nock: Will Nock is an American film editor and director best known for his work on The Bourne Ultimatum, The Bourne Legacy, District 9, and Cloverfield.
• Arthur Nock: Arthur Darby Nock was a prominent American Religious Studies scholar and educator. He was a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and from 1964 to 1967 the head of Harvard University's Department of the History of Religion.
• Alexander Nock: Alexander David Nock is a former Canadian football defensive back who played for the Ottawa Renegades of the Canadian Football League. He was twice named the team's Most Outstanding Player.
• Alistair Nock: Alistair Frederick Nock is a former English cricketer who played for Gloucestershire in the 2000s.
• Charlotte Nock: Charlotte Nock is an English television actress known for her work in productions such as EastEnders and Doctors.
• Wil Nock: Wil Nock is an Australian rules footballer who played for the Collingwood Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). He made two appearances in the inaugural AFL Women's League.

Other surnames

Nöckel