Surname Coke - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'C'
Coke: What does the surname Coke mean?
The surname Coke, of English origins, is derived from a nickname for a person characterized as bold or daring. It is understood to have come from the Old English term "cocc", which means rooster, a symbol often associated with courage and prominence. The surname evolved from the Middle English term "cok", adapted from the Old English word. In medieval times, nicknames were often used as surnames referring to personality traits, profession, or physical attributes of an individual. In some instances, the surname Coke is also believed to be topographical in origin, referring to individuals residing near a notable hill, deriving from the Old English term “col”, meaning charcoal or coal. The Coke surname was often traditionally carried by those who had a dark complexion or worked in the coal industry. It is worthy to mention that this is a different origin from the beverage brand name Coca-Cola, which was named for two of its original ingredients, coca leaves and kola nuts. Please note that surname origins can be obscure and interpretations might change based on different sources and regions.
Order DNA origin analysisCoke: Where does the name Coke come from?
The surname Coke is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English pre 7th Century nickname "Cocc," meaning "cock" or "rooster." It was likely given to a person who was perceived to share characteristics with a rooster, such as boldness or strutting behavior. The first recorded spelling of the family name, dating back to the early 12th century, is shown to be that of Robert Coc in the Pipe Rolls of Hampshire.
In its early forms, the name was predominantly found in Norfolk and Suffolk regions of England. As generations passed and people started migrating, the surname spread across the world. Some name-bearers moved to other regions of the UK, while others settled in different continents like Europe, Australia, or North America.
Today, it is still relatively common in the UK, specifically in Norfolk where the name first originated. However, due to natural migration over centuries, individuals with the last name Coke can now be found in places like the United States, Canada, and Australia, amongst others. Famous bearers of the surname include Sir Edward Coke, a prominent English jurist and Member of Parliament during the late 16th and early 17th centuries.
Variations of the surname Coke
The surname Coke can be traced back to English origins, especially prevalent among the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. Varied spellings due to regional dialects and the evolution of language over centuries have resulted in multiple versions of the surname. Coke can be spelled in several different ways, including, but not limited to, Cock, Cocke, Coak, Coake, and Coeke.
The surname Coke may also be connected to the surname Cook or Cooke due to phonetic similarities, although the origins and meanings differ. Cook or Cooke typically referred to the occupation of cooking, while Coke is believed to originate from the Middle English "cok", meaning a "leader" or "chief".
The variant Cokayne, and its further modified forms Cokain, Cocayne, and Cockayne, could be another related surname with a similar phonetic structure. There is also a possibility of similar surnames like Coker and Cockrell being connected to Coke.
These variant spellings and surnames can depend on local dialects, geographical locations, and historical language shifts. Modern DNA testing has also revealed surprising connections between different surnames and has shed light on the complex web of surname origins and variations.
Famous people with the name Coke
- Edward Coke: He was a prominent British barrister, judge, and politician during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. He is best known for his writings on English common law.
- Richard Coke: He served as the 15th Governor of Texas from 1874 to 1876 and later as a United States Senator from Texas.
- Thomas Coke: He was a British Methodist bishop and missionary who is often referred to as the "Father of Methodist Missions."
- John Coke: He was an English businessman, politician, and member of the House of Commons who lived in the 17th century.
- Coca Crystal (born Jacqueline Diamond Coke): She was an American counterculture television host and journalist.
- Judy Coke: She is a British actress known for her work in television, theater, and film.
- Richard Coke, Jr.: He was a U.S. Representative from Texas who served three terms in the late 19th century.
- Alison Coke: She is a British theatre and television director.
- Daryl Coke: He is a former cricketer who has played for Jamaica and represented the West Indies.
- Lester Coke: He was the founder of the Jamaican Shower Posse, a notorious drug gang.
- Jah Thomas (born Nkrumah Thomas Coke): He is a Jamaican reggae musician.