Surname Cocks - Meaning and Origin
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Cocks: What does the surname Cocks mean?
The surname Cocks is of English origin and has multiple interpretations. The most common interpretation links it to the occupation of a "cock," a term that was used in medieval times to refer to a leader or a chief, essentially someone who holds a dominant or superior position. This idea is influenced by the male chicken or rooster, also known as a cock, who is the leader of the flock.
Another interpretation suggests it may come from a geographical locale featuring a hill or a large rock, "cock" being a topographical term of Celtic origin indicating a heap or a pile. Finally, it could be derived from the personal name "Cocke" which was popular in early England.
As with many surnames, the spelling has evolved over time, other variations including Cox, Cock, and Coxe. It is important to note that the implications of the name have changed over centuries, and modern associations may differ greatly from historical origins.
Order DNA origin analysisCocks: Where does the name Cocks come from?
The surname Cocks is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the personal name "Cock", which is itself a diminutive form of a number of personal names including Cocc, Cocca, or Coc. These names were common during the Middle Ages in England. The surname could also be a topographic name for someone living by a hill or mound which was often known as "cock" or a nickname for a proud, aggressive, or natural leader deriving from the Middle English term for a male bird.
The Cocks family name is traced back to Worcestershire, where the family held a family seat since ancient times. It spread across England and later to the New World, with many immigrating to America, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.
Today, the surname is somewhat common in England, particularly in the West Midlands, South East, and South West regions. In the United States, it is most common in New York, followed by Florida and California. Despite its spread, it is not amongst the most common surnames in these places.
Variations of the surname Cocks
The surname Cocks has a variety of similar surnames, variant spellings, and related names, mainly originating from England. Variations include Cox, Coxe, and Cockx, which are common, resulting from phonetic spellings during a time when spelling rules were not yet standardized.
Another variant is Cockson, a patronymic form, implying “son of Cock,” and Cocking, which could be a locative surname (from a place name) or occupational surname (related to a profession).
In terms of surnames of the same origin, it’s worth mentioning that it’s likely related to the relatively common English surname Cock, which either comes from the Old English "cocc" referring to a male bird (often used as a nickname for a young lad who strutted about like a cock) or was a diminutive form of the first name Corcoran.
The addition of 's' to the end of the name often represents possessive or plural form in English surnames, making Cocks a likely descendant of these originals.
In terms of related surnames, alternate forms of "Cock" have given way to Coakley, Cockburn, and Cockfield, each formed through unique combinations of other words with the original surname.
Famous people with the name Cocks
1) Graham Cocks: An Australian footballer who played in the Victorian Football League. 2) George Cocks: An English footballer who played as a defender. 3) Harry Cocks: A British boxer who competed in the early 20th century. 4) Tom Cocks: A British radio and television presenter who was a newsreader on BBC Radio 1. 5) Claire Cocks: An English cricketer who represented the English women’s cricket team. 6) Cameron Cocks: An Australian professional rugby league footballer who was part of Cronulla Sharks. 7) Cecil Cocks: A British writer who produced works under the pen name of Hugh Cecil. 8) Tricia Cocks: An Australian politician who served on the Sydney City Council. 9) John Cocks: A British Labour Party politician and Member of the Parliament. 10) Sarah Cocks: An Australian broadcast journalist currently working for the Nine News network. 11) Ralph Cocks: An English cricket player who played for the Sussex Team. 12) Dave Cocks: A former footballer who played as a forward for clubs like Stockport County and Macclesfield Town. 13) William Cocks: A British horologist famous for his antique clocks and timepieces. It should be noted that many of these individuals may not be universally recognized as "famous," but within their respective fields, they have achieved a certain level of notoriety.