Surname Cockerham - Meaning and Origin
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Cockerham: What does the surname Cockerham mean?
The surname Cockerham is an English name with Anglo-Saxon origins. It is derived from the place name of Cockersand, located near the coast of Lancashire. Cockersand is believed to have derived from the Old English words "cocc" and "sond", meaning "wooded promontory". The place name was used to refer to a person from the area, and eventually leading to the birth surname being Cockerham.
The Cockerham family first established themselves in the North West of England in the 12th century, during the reign of King Henry I. During the Middle Ages, Cockerham was primarily a farming region, and it is believed that the original bearers of the name were of agricultural backgrounds. The family was granted a coat of arms from the College of Arms, with the motto, "Vive Ut Vivas", which translates to "Live That You May Live".
Today, the surname Cockerham is most commonly found in the Lancashire area, though it has become widespread throughout the British Isles, and also dispersed to other countries throughout the world. Other forms of the surname include Cockram, Cocerham, Cockringham, and Cockarham. There are also several places named Cockram throughout England.
The name Cockerham is a testament to the proud heritage of the family, and its important place in English history. It represents a connection to a past of farming, and a place in a thriving community, while outlining the powerful spirit and struggle of the family in moments of hardship. It is a badge of honour that continues to live through the years.
Order DNA origin analysisCockerham: Where does the name Cockerham come from?
The last name Cockerham is most commonly found in the United States, where it is the 1,007th most popular surname. In the 2000 U.S. census, Cockerham was the 581st most common surname. It primarily has a southeastern distribution with concentrations in North Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, and Alabama. The northeastern states also had a decent population of Cockerham descendants. Cockerham is also found in the United Kingdom, particularly in the northern regions, where it is more commonly spelt Cockram. There are also Cockerhams in Australia, Canada, Ireland, and South Africa, though nowhere near the frequency found in the United States.
Though Cockerhams today are found worldwide, records indicate they first arose in the small village of Aughton near Ormskirk in Lancashire, England. This is where the classic Cockerham variant of surname originated. The exact origin of the name is disputed, though some think it can be traced back to a Saxon settlement in the 8th century. The village of Cockerham in Lancashire also took its name from the Cockerham family.
Due to the global spread of Cockerham descendents, today Cockerham is a diverse set of people, and no single Cockerham lineage can be attributed. Those who can trace their ancestry to the Lancashire village are encouraged to submit to the Cockerham One Name study. This study helps document the histories of Cockerhams from around the world and helps to bring them back to their roots.
Variations of the surname Cockerham
The Cockerham surname is of Anglo-Saxon descent and is derived from an ancient family that lived in the village of Cockerham located in Lancashire, England. It is believed that the name corrupted from the words "Cock's Winterham", meaning a winter home occupied by a cockerel. Over time, variants of the name evolved including Cockram, Cockran, Cockramm, Cockramme, Cockrehma, Cockeham, and Cockereham.
In the United States, spellings vary more widely, with alternative spellings such as Coucheram, Courcheram, Coucheran, Couckran, Courchram, Courchran, Cauchram, and Cauchran.
In addition to the spelling variations of Cockerham, this surname is also known by various surnames, including Cockrane, Corker, Coxer, and Kokern.
The Cockerham surname is also found in Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and other parts of the world as a result of emigration and immigration patterns over time. Those with various derivatives of the Cockerham surname can be found in countries throughout Europe and the Americas, from Denmark to Finland, and from the United States to Argentina.
Researching the history of the Cockerham surname is an exciting journey that can help individuals discover deeper family connections and uncover a wealth of information about their ancestry. With the help of online records, census data, and other genealogical resources, it is possible to uncover a unique and meaningful family history and uncover the origins and true meaning of this unique Anglo-Saxon surname.
Famous people with the name Cockerham
- Joe Cockerham, an American film and television actor from Texas.
- Henry Cockerham, an actor known for his roles in "True Detective" and "American Horror Story: Coven".
- Tyler Cockerham, an actor from Mississippi, known for his roles in films such as "Surveillance" and" Beyond the Sea".
- Thomas Cockerham, a filmmaker and director from the United Kingdom whose works have been featured in multiple international film festivals.
- Dan Cockerham, an actor from the UK who is best known for his roles in "Secrets & Lies" and "Happy Valley".
- Emily Cockerham, an American singer-songwriter from California who has released several solo albums and toured with various groups.
- Mary Cockerham, a British singer-songwriter who has released several albums and EPs of her own material, as well as featuring on the BBC Radio program "The Acoustic Stage".
- Robert Cockerham, an English actor who was active in films from the 1940s to the 1960s in roles on "Doctor Who", "The Avengers", and more.
- Clare Cockerham, a British theatre and film actress whose credits include The Woman in Black, Grange Hill, and Death in Paradise.
- Rhonda Cockerham, an American country music singer who released her debut album in 1992.