Surname Badcocke - Meaning and Origin

Badcocke: What does the surname Badcocke mean?

The surname Badcocke is of English origin and is believed to have derived from a nickname, which was quite common during the period when surnames began to develop. The original meaning behind the name is believed to be related to the Old English words 'bæddel' which meant 'hermaphrodite' or 'effeminate man', and 'cocc' which meant a 'cock' or 'rooster'. In the context of the era, this likely referred to a person assumed to have characteristics or behaviors deemed unusual or not typically masculine. It is important to note that understanding of gender and behavior have significantly evolved since these terms were in use. Surnames during this period often described a person’s characteristics, occupation, location, or even were based on the individual's father’s name (patronym). Hence, the surname Badcocke, like many English surnames, would have a unique story or significance attached to its original bearer. Over the years, the name has seen variations in spelling, including Badcock, Badcocke, Bedcock, and others.

Badcocke: Where does the name Badcocke come from?

The surname Badcocke is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from a personal name. It is an evolved form of the name "Babcock" or "Babcocke," coming from the nickname "Bab" and the Middle English term for a young bird or a form of endearment, "cock". Like many surnames of this era, it would originally have been used to denote the "son of Bab". The "Bad" in Badcocke does not have any negative connotations as it may appear in modern English.

The name proliferation coincides with the historical development of the British region, eventual migration expanded the surname to other English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia. According to Forebears, the surname is most prevalent today in England and highest in density in Wales. However, it's important to note that the surname in its exact spelling, "Badcocke", is extremely rare today. Variations and derivations of the surname, such as Badcock, Babcock, and others, are more commonly seen in the United States and other English-speaking countries.

Variations of the surname Badcocke

The surname Badcocke is a variant of the English surname Badcock. It is believed to have originated during the Anglo-Saxon period in England. There are multiple spellings of this surname, mainly due to phonetic transcriptions and changes over time. Variations of the name Badcocke may include: Badcock, Badcoke, Badcocks, and Badcocks, among others.

The name may derive from the Middle English term "bodcok," which could mean a person who was considered feckless or inept. Another possible derivation points towards the use of "Bald" as a personal name in the Middle Ages and "cock" as a diminutive, therefore "Baldcock" or "Badcock."

Additional spellings or variants not mentioned may exist, as surnames have often changed over centuries and have been influenced by factors such as regional accents, literacy levels, and migration. Furthermore, considering the unfortunate modern connotations of the name, descendants may have voluntarily modified the spelling to better fit societal norms.

It is essential to mention that multiple origins for a single surname can exist, and a family's lineage and heritage play a large role in determining the correct interpretation of the surname Badcocke.

Famous people with the name Badcocke

• John Badcocke (17th-century English dramatist and librettist)
• John Badcocke (17th-century English musician and composer)
• Daniel Badcocke (18th-century English musician and composer)
• John Badcocke (17th-century English organist and music publisher)
• William Badcocke (17th-century English choirmaster and arranger)
• William Badcocke (19th-century English zoologist and entomologist)
• John Badcocke (16th-century English barrister, judge and Member of Parliament)
• Edward Badcocke (16th-century English haberdasher and clothier)
• William Badcocke (19th-century British Army officer)
• Thomas Badcocke (16th-century English soldier)
• Judith Badcocke (17th-century English artist)
• Sir William Badcocke (17th-century English politician and civil lawyer)
• John Badcocke (17th-century English politician and royalist)
• Robert Badcocke (18th-century English politician and Member of Parliament)
• Henry Badcocke (18th-century English antiquarian)
• John Badcocke (18th-century English lawyer and judge)
• John Badcocke (18th-century English soldier)
• Thomas Badcocke (19th-century Irish journalist and humorist)
• John Badcocke (17th-century English clergyman)
• Christopher Badcocke (17th-century English sculptor and woodworker)

Other surnames

Badcock