Surname Coker - Meaning and Origin

Unveiling Unexpected Ancestral Insights - The Coker DNA Journey with iGENEA

Delving into one's genealogy can be a fascinating journey of self-discovery. This was my experience with the DNA test at iGENEA. The results surprised me with several unexpected revelations about my ancestors named Coker. What I believed about my family history was challenged, leading to an enhanced understanding of my heritage.

O. Coker

Coker: What does the surname Coker mean?

The surname Coker is of English origin and is mainly associated with families residing in Devon and Somerset counties. The name Coker is derived from the Old English term "cocc," meaning "cook," and "ora" signifying "ore." It was an occupational or trade name given to a cook or a seller of cooked foods. Alternatively, it could indicate a person's dwelling place, such as the one living near Coker hill or river in Somerset. As a topographic last name, it may represent someone living near the Coker river or the East and West Coker villages located in South Somerset. Over the centuries, the surname has manifested in several different forms, including Coker, Croker, Crocker, etc. Nowadays, Coker can be found in many parts of the world due to migration movements but remains predominantly English.

Coker: Where does the name Coker come from?

The surname Coker is of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from the Old English "coker" meaning "trickster", "joker", or "entertainer". It was most likely used initially as a nickname for a jester or entertainer. An alternative theory suggests that it may have evolved from "cok", meaning cook, referring to someone's occupation.

Coker could also be topographical, originating from places named Coker, such as East and West Coker in Somerset, England. These names have their roots in an old Celtic word "cerr" or "carr", which translates to "rock" or "stone".

In its early inception, the name was usually recorded with various spellings including Coker, Coaker, and Cocker. The first recorded spelling of the family name is of Robert le Koker, dating back to 1191 in the Pipe Rolls of Berkshire, England.

Today, Coker is common in numerous countries, particularly in English-speaking societies such as the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. However, it may be most common in the United States, especially in southern states like Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, and Florida, reflecting the paths of historical migration and settlement.

Variations of the surname Coker

The surname Coker has various variants and spellings, influenced by geographical location, dialects, and different periods in history. Some of these include Cokerl, Coaker, Cocher, Cockers, and Cocker. In some cases, it may also be spelled as Koker.

In addition, there are other surnames that might share the same origin with Coker. One such surname is Cooker, which could have evolved from the occupation of a cook, similar to how Coker could have originated from 'cokerer', an old term for a cook. Other surnames of the same origin might include Crocker, which derives from the Old English 'croccere', a potter or one who made pots.

Considering the occupational origin, there could also be a connection with the surname Baker, since both baking and cooking are related activities. While these connections might not be direct, they reflect the common use of occupations as surnames in English and other European cultures. Lastly, it's important to note that surnames can also be influenced by other factors like topography, local customs, and personal characteristics. As a result, tracing the evolution of a surname might involve complex research into history, culture, and linguistics.

Famous people with the name Coker

• Joe Coker, American rock and pop singer, songwriter and musician.
• Elonza P. Coker, Jr., American politician.
• Clifford Coker, American screen and television actor.
• Snookie Coker, American major league baseball third baseman.
• Kevin Coker, American actor.
• Doke Coker, former Amerrican basketball player.
• Max Coker, American actor and producer.
• Pat L. Coker, American professional football player.
• Robin Coker, American athlete.
• Antwan Coker, American musician.
• Jeannie Coker, American actress.
• Sherwood Coker, American singer, songwriter, and music producer.
• Steve Coker, American race car driver.
• Todd Coker, American country music singer, songwriter, and record producer.
• Alexander Coker, American actor.
• Tiffany Coker, American model, actor, and entrepreneur.
• Yolanda Coker, American author and philanthropist.
• Anna Coker, American professional dancer, choreographer and director.
• Donnie Coker, American R&B Singer.
• Vickie Coker, American businesswoman and CEO.

Other surnames

CokeCokeburnCokelCokelyCoken