Surname Hockin - Meaning and Origin

Hockin: What does the surname Hockin mean?

Hockin is a surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Hocca" and the diminutive suffix "-in", meaning "son of" or "descendant of". Thus, the surname Hockin essentially translates to "the son or descendant of Hocca". The personal name Hocca is thought to be derived from "hocc", an Old English term referring to a hook or angle, possibly signifying a physical characteristic of the original bearer, or could potentially link him to someone proficient in a certain trade, such as fishing or blacksmithing. The surname Hockin is most commonly found in the southern and southwestern regions of England, indicating that its origins are likely rooted in those regions. Like many surnames, variations in the spelling over centuries and between regions have resulted in different forms of the name, including Hocking, Hokins, and Hokin.

Hockin: Where does the name Hockin come from?

The surname Hockin is believed to have originated from Cornwall, England. It is considered as a Cornish variant of the popular surname Hocking, which means "son of Hoc". The name Hoc comes from the old English personal name Hocca. The surname Hockin suggests that it might have been used to refer to the descendants or followers of a person named Hocca.

As per the distribution of the surname, the name Hockin, while still prevalent in its place of origin in the United Kingdom, can be commonly found in various countries around the world due to migration and diaspora. It is especially prevalent in Australia and Canada. In the United States, the name is less common but can be found, often amongst descendants of British immigrants. Overall, its usage is fairly distributed worldwide, primarily in English-speaking countries. However, the highest concentration of individuals with the surname Hockin is still in England.

Variations of the surname Hockin

The surname Hockin has various alternative spellings, variants, and surnames of the same origin. Some of these include the names Hocken, Hocking, Hockings, and Hokkin.

These name variations may have occurred due to phonetic spellings, regional dialects, or immigration and the subsequent anglicizing or simplification of the name. Early records of these variations can be found in several parts of England, primarily in the southwestern county of Cornwall.

The name is thought to be a patronymic form, descendent from a given first name such as ‘Hoc’, an Old English personal name. The suffix ‘-ing’ denoting ‘son of’. There are also patronymic variations such as Hockinson, Hockenson, and Hockens.

It is also possible some variants like Hocking, are toponymic, deriving from a location, ‘Hoccinc’ an old English place name.

Like with any surname, genealogical research can reveal more insights into migrations, evolutions, and origins to any given name. Hence, further analysis might uncover additional variants and spellings.

Famous people with the name Hockin

• Neil Hockin: a legendary tech figure, founder of Newsnow and a successful investor.
• Alfred Hockin: a well-known Canadian artist known for his impressionistic landscapes.
• Will Hockin: a well-known British photographer, who has made a series of photos of celebrities such as Amy Winehouse, M.I.A. and Katy Perry.
• Mike Hockin: a former professional American soccer player who had a long career with the Colorado Rapids.
• Hilary Hockin: a Canadian actress who has starred in films such as “Cabin Fever 2”, “Firefly”, and “Dead Silence”.
• Bethany Hockin: a Canadian singer-songwriter who released her debut album, “High”, in 2014.
• Rollin Hockin: an American actor known for his roles in the films “Too Late For Tears” and “Forever Mine”.
• Jamie Hockin: an English television presenter, who has hosted shows such as “BBC 2’s All Star Family Fortunes” and “The Outing”.
• Joe Hockin: a Canadian artist and illustrator, most famous for his illustration of Marvel’s Deadpool.
• Michelle Hockin: a British ceramicist, who has showcased her work in galleries all over the world.

Other surnames

Hocking