Surname Cockney - Meaning and Origin
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Cockney: What does the surname Cockney mean?
The last name Cockney is a term that originated English dialects spoken by the working class citizens of London, England. It is thought that the term first started as a derogatory term used to describe people who were born and bred in the East End of London and who spoke with the dialects typical of that area.
Today, Cockney is still used to refer to someone who speaks the same dialects, is a Londoner, and was born within earshot of the bells of St Mary-le-Bow church. This area lies within the borders of Central London – specifically, east of the Church.
Cockney is a combination of two words in the Middle English – ‘cokenay’ and ‘cockenay’ – which mean egg-laying hen. It is thought that the dialect used by Cockney speakers evolved from the sound of chickens clucking.
The term "Cockney" can be seen as a badge of pride and identity for Londoners who inhabit and symbolize the city’s culture, history, and spirited atmosphere. The unique dialect has been shared, adapted, and altered by generations of speakers in an effort to create a sense of belonging and continuity of tradition. This has been further bolstered through London’s diverse immigrant populations, who brought with them their own influences and words. It is this intermingling of old and new that has come to define the Cockney style of speaking.
Order DNA origin analysisCockney: Where does the name Cockney come from?
The last name Cockney is an English name and is most commonly found today in the East London area of England. It is thought to have originated there hundreds of years ago and is believed to originate either from the Middle English term "cokenay," which referred to a "cock's egg," or from the term "cockenay" which was a term of endearment from medieval England for a young male.
The Cockney name was traditionally held by inhabitants of the East End of London. It is usually associated with working-class districts, such as Bethnal Green, Bow and Limehouse, which were heavily populated by dockworkers and other members of the working class during the industrial revolution and into the 20th century. The area is still known for its strong working-class presence and sense of community, and this means that the Cockney name is still quite common.
Many people with the Cockney name have moved outside of London over the years, which has helped to spread the famous name around the world. Additionally, the Cockney dialect, which is spoken mainly in the East End of London, has become quite popular in recent years thanks to its use in popular culture such as film and television, which has meant that Cockneys have become something of an icon and the name is now recognisable and popular outside of London.
In conclusion, the last name Cockney is most commonly found today in the East End of London, although it has spread to other parts of the world today. Its heritage is deeply linked to the culture and history of East London, and it is still strongly associated with the area today.
Variations of the surname Cockney
The surname Cockney is derived from the word 'cokenay,' which in Middle English was used to refer to a tradesman or merchant from any part of the world. This surname is most commonly spelled 'Cockney,' but other variants and spellings include Cocknay, Cockemny, Cockmey, Cokenay, Cockenay, Cocknay, and Cocknoe.
The surname is also sometimes found with the suffixes '-s' or '-son' added, such as Cockneys and Cockneyson. In some rare cases, the spelling may also be found with an added 'h.' Variations such as Cockneye and Cockneyh also exist.
The surname Cockney can also be found with a variety of regional variations, such as Cocke from Birmingham, Cocke from London, Cokayne from Leicester, Cokain from York, and Cookenay from Lincolnshire.
Notable people with the surname Cockney include the English cricketer David Cockney, British author James Cockney, and the American actor Jimmy Cockney.
Famous people with the name Cockney
- Phil Cockney: An English former football player, he played for a variety of teams in the Football League and Conference from 1971 to 1986.
- William Cockney: Asset manager at Deloitte and Pathe cinema executive.
- Liz Cockney: Chartered accountant and governance specialist.
- Gordon Cockney: Former English footballer who played as a defender.
- Tony Cockney: Serving Royal Marine who became the first ever person to row solo, non-stop, across the Atlantic Ocean.
- Harry Cockney: Former English cricketer who played for Durham.
- David Cockney: British actor known for his roles in various British television shows and films.
- Thomas Cockney: British lawyer and judge who is the incoming ‘Head of Criminal Justice’.
- Jim Cockney: Former professional footballer, he played for Bradford Park Avenue, Southport and Reading in the Football League.
- Graham Cockney: Former English footballer who played as a left back in the Football League.