Surname Hocken - Meaning and Origin
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Hocken: What does the surname Hocken mean?
The surname Hocken is of Anglo-Saxon origin, specifically deriving from the Old English “hocc” meaning "hook." It was most likely originally used as a nickname for someone with a hooked nose or a bent leg. The introduction of personal names as surnames did not become common until the Norman Conquest, and were first found in Southern England.
However, it is also possible that the name Hocken is a locational surname, given to those who resided near a geographical feature such as a hill, stream, or tree. There are towns named Hook, Hook Green and Hook Heath in England.
The earliest record of the name dates to the Hundred Rolls of 1279 where it is documented as 'Hoken'. Over centuries, the name has had several variations like Hocking, Hockin, and Hoching.
Please note that the interpretation and origin of surnames can vary, and can have multiple roots depending on geographical locations and time periods.
Order DNA origin analysisHocken: Where does the name Hocken come from?
The surname Hocken is predominantly of English origin. It is a topographic last name for someone who lived by a prominent huck or hill, from the Old English "hucose". Alternatively, it could be derived from a medieval personal name, a diminutive form of the Old English name Hoc. The surname Hocken may also have Ashkenazic Jewish roots, as a variant of the German last name Hock, which served as a nickname for a stingy or avaricious person.
Today, this surname is mostly found in English-speaking countries like the UK, U.S.A., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. According to public records, it's most prevalent in England, particularly in the southwestern region of Cornwall.
Variations of the surname Hocken
The surname Hocken has several variants, alternatives and possible spellings that may have originated from the same root. These include Hockin, Hockins, Hocking, Hockenberry, Hockenhull, and Hockenbrock.
In some cases, the name may have been spelled as O'Hocken, indicating an Irish origin. Hakon, Hakans, Hakkin, Hakonson may be the variants influenced by Nordic countries, where such surnames are common.
In some regions, the names may have been modified according to dialect and pronunciation, leading to versions like Hokken, Hoken, Hocen, Hacen, or Hockan.
It's important to remember that surname spellings may have changed over the centuries due to various factors such as geographic relocation, literacy levels, and cultural assimilation. Therefore, even variations which don't directly resemble "Hocken" may share a common lineage.
In terms of origin, the name "Hocken" is thought to have derived from an early medieval English personal name, "Hocca", and would have originally been used to identify 'the son of Hocca". Historical records suggest that the name has been prevalent mainly in the South West of England, particularly within the counties of Devon and Cornwall.
Famous people with the name Hocken
- Dave Hocken: Former professional ice hockey player
- Christopher Hocken: British professional writer
- Allen Hocken: Canadian Artist
- Sarah Hocken: American indie-folk Artist
- Wally Hocken: Sports anchor for WUSA-TV in Washington, D.C.
- Robert Hocken: British World War II airman
- Glen Hocken: American historian
- Timothy Hocken: Canadian sculptor
- John Hocken: New Zealand politician
- Austen Hocken: Rugby union player for England
- Rory Hocken: Rugby union player for South Africa
- Andrew Hocken: American athlete specialising in 3,000m, 5,000m, 10,000m and half marathon running