Surname Hocker - Meaning and Origin
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Hocker: What does the surname Hocker mean?
The last name Hocker is of Germanic origin and would have been derived from the Middle High German word "Hocker" meaning "stool" or "bench". It is most likely that it was originally a nickname that was given to an ancestor who either worked as a carpenter or spent a lot of time sitting on a stool.
It is possible that the name was also used as a toponymic name to describe someone who lived near a stool-shaped hill or promontory. Alternatively, the surname may be an Americanized version of the German Hofacker, which is derived from the Middle High German word "hove", meaning "homestead".
In the US, most of the people with the surname Hocker live in the Midwest, particularly in the states of Ohio and Pennsylvania. Research suggests that the first family of Hockers to come to the US originated in the German-speaking region of Switzerland. They likely arrived in the US in the mid-1800s looking for a better life.
The surname has since spread all across the US and is of particular prevalence in the Midwest. Today, Hockers are found in all sorts of professions and industries, but many are still involved in carpentry, furniture design, and other related woodworking professions.
Order DNA origin analysisHocker: Where does the name Hocker come from?
The last name Hocker is commonly found in North America. In the United States, the highest concentration is found in the Midwest and the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan. According to the U.S. Census 2000, more than 8,000 Americans had the Hocker last name. The records indicate that most United States bearers of the Hocker name came from Germany.
In Canada, the highest concentration of the Hocker surname is in the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. The last name is also quite common in other parts of the world, particularly in Germany and Switzerland. It may have originated from the German word “höcker” which means hillock.
The first named Hocker was Johannes Hocker (born in the 1720s) who is believed to have emigrated from Germany to North America. His offspring were spread across the United States and Canada, with some families migrating further south. Many Hockers made their mark in the military, playing significant roles in wars, such as the American Civil War and World War I.
The Hocker surname is still quite common today, with its presence spanning multiple countries. This vibrant family continues to grow, as bearers pass down its historic lineage and look towards creating more memories in the present.
Variations of the surname Hocker
The surname Hocker is an occupational name and is derived from the Middle English word ‘hokere’, meaning ‘keeper of furniture’. This name is found primarily in the German regions of Germany and Austria. The variants and surnames of the same origin include Hockers, Haecker, Haeckers, Hoker, Hokers, Hauckers, Hockar, Hockars, Hoger, Hogers, Haker, Hakers, Hacke, Hackers, Hackers, Hucker, Huckers, Hecker, Heckers, Hauschka, and Haschuk.
The variants may vary based on the language spoken or the specific time period, but the meaning and origin of the name mainly remains the same. In the German language, the Hocker surname became "Hoecker," while in the Dutch language, it became "Hakker." ‘Hocker’ is also a surname found in the United Kingdom, specifically England. This surname was brought to the UK by various German, Dutch and Austrian immigrants or military personnel over the centuries.
The variations and spellings of the Hocker surname can be attributed to various factors such as the local dialect, translation of the name to different languages or misspellings. The surname can change over time as a result of multiple local variations. It is likely that Hocker is the original spelling of the surname; however, one should research their own family history to be sure.
Famous people with the name Hocker
- John Hocker: an American agricultural leader who served as the 66th United States Secretary of Agriculture.
- Christine Hocker: an American landscape photographer.
- Colby Hocker: an American radio personality.
- Mike Hocker: an American track, field, and cross country coach and a member of the USA Track and Field Hall of Fame.
- Robert Hocker: an American Author.
- Janice Hocker Rushing: an American political scientist and academic, who served as the first woman Dean at University of Texas at Austin.
- Susie Hocker: an American singer-songwriter, producer and actress.
- Thomas Hocker: a German Impressionist Painter.
- John D. Hocker: an American politician and a former U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania.
- Tom Hocker: an American comedian.