Surname Hitchcock - Meaning and Origin

Unveiling the Hitchcock surname heritage through iGENEA DNA test: A journey back in time

I embarked on a journey into my past - the origins and migratory patterns of the Hitchcock lineage - through an iGENEA DNA test. The results unveiled intriguing connections to ancient Northern Europe, specifically pointing towards the Suebi tribe, vibrant evidence of Viking lineage, and even probable ties to Proto-Indo-European roots.

D. Hitchcock

Hitchcock: What does the surname Hitchcock mean?

The surname Hitchcock is of English origin, deriving from the medieval personal name 'Hitch', which is a diminutive of either Richard or Hitchin, plus the suffix "-cock", which is an affectionate or diminutive ending implying 'little' or 'younger'. Thus, Hitchcock could potentially mean 'little Richard' or 'son of Richard'. It is also associated with places called Hitchin in Hertfordshire, England, which was named from the Old English tribal name 'Hicce', plus 'ingas', meaning people or followers, and 'cocc' which is an Old English personal name. Therefore, the surname could also signify a person from Hitchin. The first recorded spelling of this family name is shown to be that of William Hichecok, which was dated 1273, in the Hundred Rolls of Cambridgeshire, England. The surname spread across England over centuries and is most commonly associated with famed director Alfred Hitchcock. The precise meaning can vary based on individual family history and origin.

Hitchcock: Where does the name Hitchcock come from?

The surname Hitchcock is of English origin, derived from the medieval given name "Richard," but specifically from the nickname, "Hitch," a diminutive form associated with it. Therefore, Hitchcock means "son of Richard." Notable bearers of this surname in history include iconic British filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock.

Today, the surname Hitchcock is most common in the United States, England, Australia, and Canada. In the United States, it's frequently found in the New England region, a testament to the area’s close historical ties to England. Though it's not one of the most common family names, its notability in film, literature, and other fields has contributed significantly to its recognition globally.

Variations of the surname Hitchcock

The surname Hitchcock is of English origin and primarily found in England and the United States. Variations of the name can include Hitchcocke, Hichcock, Hitchock, Hitchcox, and Hitchcoke among others.

The name can be broken down into two different elements - the first element being 'Hitch' or 'Hicca', an old personal name in Old English. The second element is 'Cock' or 'Cocca' which is generally considered to be a pet form or diminutive attached to names.

Some researchers suggest that Hitchcock could be a patronymic surname meaning "son of Hitch". It could also be an occupational name referring to a herdsman (from an unrecorded Old English word 'hycce', an occupational name for a herder).

It's also possible that some names recorded as variants of Hitchcock could be independent names with different origins that have become altered in spelling to resemble Hitchcock.

Moreover, the geographical distribution of this surname could have added local variations and spelling alterations to the fundamental name. These variations in the surname Hitchcock are primarily due to issues of translation or transliteration from the original English.

In terms of surnames that may be of the same origin, names derived from the same root such as Hitch, Hitchman, or Hitchen may have some association. However, direct links can be difficult to establish due to the many variations and possible origins.

Famous people with the name Hitchcock

• Alfred Hitchcock: the legendary filmmaker who directed classics such as Psycho, Rear Window, The Birds, and Vertigo.
• Pat Hitchcock O’Connell: Alfred’s daughter, who appeared in movies and television shows such as Strangers on a Train, Stage Fright, and Alfred Hitchcock Presents.
• Margaret Hitchcock: Alfred’s wife, who worked as a script consultant on several of his films.
• Joan Hitchcock: another daughter of Alfred, who also appeared in some of his films.
• Miles Hitchcock: Alfred’s son-in-law, who was an executive producer on the movie Family Plot.
• Henry Hitchcock: a portrait painter who lived in the 19th century.
• Jack Hitchcock: the 19th century British painter and etcher who created many pieces in the Romanticism and Pre-Raphaelite movements.
• Don Hitchock: an Australian rugby league player who played in the 1960s and 1970s.
• Matthew Hitchcock: an American historian and professor at the University of California, San Diego.
• Bob Hitchcock: an American-born Canadian ice hockey player in the National Hockey League.
• Rebecca Hitchcock: an English singer-songwriter and performer.
• Joe Hitchcock: a singer and guitarist who performs with Joe and the Bad Moods.
• Stephen Hitchcock: an English professor at Oberlin College in Ohio.
• Louise Hitchcock: an Australian marine biologist and researcher.
• Hollis Hitchock: an American author and professor at the University of Texas at Austin.
• Robert Hitchcock: an American actor and comedian who performed on Saturday Night Live and in the film Clue.

Other surnames

HaachHaackHaackeHaackerHaafHaaffHaagHaageHaagenHaagerHaagmannHaagmansHaagnerHaahsHaakHaakeHaakerHaakertHaamannHaameaHaanHaaneHaanenHaarbrandtHaarckeHaarkeHaarmannHaartjeHaarwaldtHaas