Surname Cook - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling Personal History: An Emotional Journey with iGENEA DNA Test

My experience with iGENEA DNA test was enlightening and emotional, uncovering surprising aspects about my family history and origins of my surname, 'Cook'. The learnings from this journey expanded my understanding of personal identity and familial relationships.

D. Cook

Cook: What does the surname Cook mean?

The last name Cook is of English and Scottish origin. It is occupational in nature, derived from the pre 7th Century term "coc," referring to a cook, a seller of cooked meats, or a keeper of an eating house. The role of a cook was a very important one in medieval times, so the surname would have carried a high level of prestige. Over time, the last name Cook spread throughout England and into Scotland, with variations including Coke, Cock, and Cooke. Today, it remains a common surname in many English-speaking countries. Etymologically, the term "coc" is related to the Latin word "cocus," which also means "cook." While the surname can point to a familial occupation in the past, it is important to note that not every person with the last name Cook necessarily had ancestors who were cooks.

Cook: Where does the name Cook come from?

The last name Cook is of English origin. It finds its roots from the Old English term "coc," which means a cook. It was an occupational surname given to those who worked as cooks during the Middle Ages. The name was first recorded in 950 AD as "Coc" in the Old English Bynames for Durham.

The name's popularity stretched across England and traveled to other regions as English influence spread. It became common in Scotland, Ireland, the United States, Australia, and Canada. Today, it is abundant in the United States, particularly in the Midwestern region. Other places where it is also prevalent include England, Australia, and Canada. Despite its roots in England, Cook is only the 30th most common surname in that country compared to being the 22nd most common in the United States. The surname's trekked geography is reflective of the influence in the British empire and its seafaring traditions.

Variations of the surname Cook

The surname Cook is of British origin and is prevalent in countries like England, Scotland, USA, Canada and Australia. It is derived from the occupation of a "cook", a term evolving from Old English "coc".

Several variations of the surname Cook have arisen over time, often used interchangeably, and due to regional accents and ways of spelling. These include Cooke, Cock, Coke, Cocks, Cox, and Coake. The surname "Koch", which also means "cook" in German, may sometimes be used interchangeably with Cook, especially in the United States following immigration and anglicisation of surnames.

"Cookson", "Cooks", and "Cookes" are common patronymic variations, meaning "son of Cook", typical in the regions where surnames formed this way.

In Scotland, where clan and septs exist, MacCook or McCook is a sept of the Clan Farquharson, again translating to "son of Cook".

The surname "Le Cuisinier", which means "the cook" in French, was often anglicised to Cook by French immigrants in English-speaking countries, similarly with "De Kok" in Dutch.

Overall, the surname Cook and its many variants are largely a result of an occupational surname conversion, and its pronunciation and spelling may change according to regional differences.

Famous people with the name Cook

• Peter Cook: A British actor and comedian, known as the leading figure of the British satire boom in the 1960s.
• Norman Cook: Also known as Fatboy Slim, a British musician and DJ.
• Dane Cook: An American stand-up comedian and actor.
• Robin Cook: A British politician who served as Foreign Secretary from 1997 to 2001.
• Captain James Cook: A British explorer, navigator, and cartographer in the 18th century.
• Rachael Leigh Cook: An American actress known her role in the film "She's All That".
• A.J. Cook: A Canadian actress, known for her role in the TV series "Criminal Minds".
• David Cook: An American rock musician and winner of the seventh season of "American Idol".
• Roger Cook: A British investigative journalist known for his work on ITV.
• Kenneth Cook: An Australian journalist and writer, best known for his novel "Wake In Fright".
• Tim Cook: The current CEO of Apple Inc.
• Will Marion Cook: An African American composer and conductor.
• Hollie Cook: A British singer and songwriter, the daughter of Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook.
• Elisha Cook Jr.: An American character actor known for his roles in film noir.

Other surnames

CooCooberleyCoochCoodeCoodeyCoodyCooganCooihanCookeCookerCookleCookseyCooksieCooksyCoolCooleCoolenCoolensCooleyCoolhaasCoolsCoolyCoombCoombeCoombesCoombsCoomerCoomesCoonCoonahan