Surname Woollacott - Meaning and Origin
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Woollacott: What does the surname Woollacott mean?
The last name Woollacott is of English origin, derived from a place-name that alluded to a dwelling associated with a person, or a family, who raised sheep. The name was derived from an Old English personal name, Wulfac, followed by the Olde English term “cot”, which means a small dwelling (cottage). The “wool” portion of the name likely alludes to the fact that the person or family living in the cot were sheep farmers.
The surname Woollacott has spread throughout the UK and Europe, and to other parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This suggests that the person or family that the surname initially referred to was relatively well-traveled, or had descendants who moved away from the original residence.
While the surname originally referred to someone who tended to sheep and lived in a modest dwelling, the name today no longer carries such associations and is more likely to evoke the idea of a family of wealth and status. This could stem from the fact that the surname suggests a family that is of an earlier generation, when economic stability and prestige were more closely associated with having land and resources.
Order DNA origin analysisWoollacott: Where does the name Woollacott come from?
The last name Woollacott is an English surname from the late 17th century. It is derived from the Anglo-Saxon words "wulf" meaning wolf, and "cot" which meant an enclosed dwelling. The name was most likely given to someone who resided in or near such a dwelling.
Today, the name Woollacott is most common in England and particularly in southwest England. It is especially found in the counties of Somerset and Devon. According to the 2018 UK Census, there were 5,075 people with the surname Woollacott in England with the largest concentration in the cities of Bristol, Exeter, and Taunton. A small number of Woollacotts also live in the Welsh county of Monmouthshire.
Woollacott is an ever-growing surname. People with the surname are found in other parts of the world such as Australia, Canada, the United States and New Zealand. It is also common in countries such as France, Germany and even in Mexico.
Overall, the name may be more common in England but it is a surname that is found across the world, especially in English-speaking countries. The name is no longer associated with just a certain dwelling. Instead, it now represents people's connection with their birthplace and sense of identity.
Variations of the surname Woollacott
Woollacott is a rare English surname, first seen in records dating from the late 16th century. It is believed to have originated in Devon, England, as it is first recorded in the Exeter Court Rolls of 1590.
The Woollacott surname has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. Variants range from Woolcott, Woolcut and Woolkott to Woolscut, Wolcott, Wollcott and Woolscott. Some fairly dramatic spellings used to be seen, such as Woolaycott and Ullcutt.
The surname Woollacott is also connected to several other English surnames such as Wollacott, Woolcut, Woolcutt, Woolcott, Woolkitt, Woolkit, and Wolliket. The drift of the surname suggests someone who performed some form of textile manufacture – most likely wool. In some instances, the surname may have derived from a nickname, such as Wool-Coat, Wool-Hat or Woll-Rag.
Other English surnames connected to the Woollacott family tree could include Olcott, Ollcott, Wellcut, Wilcote and Wilcott. This surname also has a few Gaelic variants such as MacAwolcott, Mackoolikett, and MacWolcott, indicating possible Gaelic ancestry.
Overall, the main variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Woollacott are Woolcott, Woolcut, Woolkott, Woolscut, Wolcott, Wollcott and Woolscott. Following this line of descent, there are also many other related English surnames and some from the Gaelic language.
Famous people with the name Woollacott
- Kristy Woollacott: American dancer, actress, and choreographer known for her roles in the television series Lipstick Jungle and Party of Five.
- Cat Woollacott: British historian and professor of renaissance history at the University of Birmingham.
- George Woollacott: British sprint canoeist who won multiple medals at the world championships in the 1970s and 80s.
- Harry Woollacott: professional footballer who played for clubs such as West Bromwich Albion and Walsall FC.
- Sham Woollacott: English former professional cricketer who played for Warwickshire County Cricket Club.
- Emily Woollacott: British sprint kayaker who competed in various international tournaments.
- Heather Woollacott: Australian mixed martial artist who fights in the flyweight division.
- Jaime Woollacott: American model, actress, and television personality.
- Marion Woollacott: British academic, historian and author who is Emerita Professor of Gender and Education at the University of Brighton.
- Rob Woollacott: British professional cyclist who competed in several cycling events.