Surname Lock - Meaning and Origin

Discovering Ancestral Diversities: How an iGENEA DNA Test Transformed My Perception of the Surname Lock

Revelations from a DNA test can profoundly impact your perspective about personal identities. This report provides an account of how the iGENEA DNA test results influenced my understanding of my surname, Lock, and my family identity, eventually evolving my perception towards my ancestry.

Z. Lock

Lock: What does the surname Lock mean?

The surname Lock has several possible origins. First, it could be of English origin, derived from the Old English term "loca" meaning "lock" or "fastening", used as a nickname for a locksmith or a person who lived near a lock such as a bridge or a barrier on a river. Second, it could be sourced from medieval personal name "Loke" or "Lock", inspired by the Norse mythology's mischievous god Loki.

Additionally, the surname can be traced to Celtic roots in Scotland and Ireland where it is derived from the Gaelic surname "Mac Loclainn" which means "son of the Viking". This surname was Anglicized to MacLoughlin and later shortened to Lock.

In a Dutch, German, or Danish context, "Lock" could be a topographic name for someone who lived near an enclosure or a lock. In summary, the surname Lock has a variety of potential origins, each related to the culture and environment where it was used.

Lock: Where does the name Lock come from?

The surname Lock originates from England, with its first recorded usage appearing in the 12th century. It is derived from multiple sources. One such source is the Old English term "loc", meaning a lock or fastening, where it could have been used as a nickname for a locksmith. Another possible origin is the personal name "Loke” or “Luck”, which is derived from the Northern Germanic name, “Loki”, a trickster god in ancient Scandinavian mythology. In some cases, it may also be a topographical name given to individuals who lived near a lock, such as a canal lock or a lock in a river.

In terms of modern prevalence, the surname Lock is found most commonly in England and the United States. The relative popularity of this surname varies, with higher concentrations in areas such as Somerset and Devon in England and the northeastern United States. It is a moderately common surname, yet it is not frequently found in every region. In addition to the UK and USA, the surname is also somewhat commonly found in Australia, South Africa, and Canada.

Variations of the surname Lock

The surname Lock has a rich heritage with significant variant spellings and related surnames connected to its origin. These variations most likely emerged due to varying interpretations of the name's pronunciation over the centuries. Some of these variant spellings include Locke, Lok, and Loch. The surname also has a connection to other names such as Loxley and Lokk.

The surname Lock is also prevalent in other cultures with variant forms stemming from translation or phonetic differences. For instance, in Germanic languages, "Lok" or "Locke" are not uncommon, relating to a 'lock' or 'enclosure'. Similarly, in Dutch, there's "Van der Lock," which translates to ‘from the lock’.

Names such as "Locke" are also common in Ireland and Scotland, probably a form adapted from the Gaelic "Loch," meaning lake. Therefore, the surname's origin and variations are well-spread across various regions, each having its unique adaptations based on dialects, cultures, and geographical influences.

Interestingly, in Nordic countries, the surname Lok is also associated with the mythological trickster god 'Loki'. Despite these variations, Lock, Locke, and Lok remain the most widely recognised and used versions.

Famous people with the name Lock

• Kate Lock: British Film Producer
• Billie Lock: American Model
• Alana Lock: British Actress
• Richard Lock: New Zealand Actor
• Joan Lock: British Entertainer
• John Lock: Australian Football Player
• Jimmy Lock: Football Player
• Suzy Lock: Singer
• Ben Lock: US Soccer Player
• Caroline Lock: British Actress
• Andrew Lock: Australian Adventurer
• Ally Lock: Musician, Producer, Actor
• Julie Lock: British Dietician
• Adam Lock: British Comedian
• Jason Lock: US Olympic Fencer
• Diana Lock: British Actress
• David Lock: British Politician
• Michael Lock: American Actor
• Steven Lock: British Pilot
• Carolyn Lock: American Television Personality

Other surnames

LocardLoceyLochLochbaumLöchelLocherLöcherLochererLochhaasLochhasLochhuberLöchlLöchleLochlearLöchliLochmaierLochmannLochmeierLochmeyerLochmillerLochmöllerLochmüllerLochnerLöchnerLochraneLochridgeLochsLochschmidtLochschmied