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Last Name Alcock

What is the origin of the last name Alcock?

The last name "Alcock" is of Old English origin. It is derived from the personal name "Alecock", which was a medieval given name for a person who was older or more wise. The name is composed of the elements "ale", meaning "old" or "elder", and "cok", meaning "rooster" or "cock". Over time, the personal name Alecock evolved into the surname Alcock. The name may also have derived from the Olde English pre 7th Century personal name "Aelfoc", composed of the elements "aelf", meaning "elf", and "hoc", meaning "high".

Learn more about the origin of the last name Alcock

The meaning and origin of the last name Alcock

The surname Alcock is of English origin. It is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Ale, a diminutive of the name Alexander. The suffix "cock" was a common ending for English surnames in the Middle Ages, denoting a familiarity or affection. Thus, the surname Alcock can be interpreted as "son of Ale" or "son of Alexander."

Geographical distribution of the last name Alcock

The last name Alcock is most commonly found in England and Ireland. It is also found in smaller numbers in countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Alcock

Alcock, Alcok, Allcock, Allcok

Famous people with the last name Alcock

1. John Alcock - English pilot who made the first non-stop transatlantic flight in 1919
2. Shane Alcock - New Zealand rugby league player
3. Sir John Alcock - British surgeon and anatomist
4. Rose Alcock - British actress
5. Sir John Alcock - British politician and member of Parliament

Genealogical research on the last name Alcock

The surname Alcock is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Aelfheah," meaning "elf high." The name first appears in records in the 13th century in various forms such as Alcocke, Alcoc, and Alecock. The Alcock family is primarily found in the counties of Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Staffordshire in England.

The Alcock surname has several notable individuals associated with it throughout history, including Sir John Alcock, an English cleric, diplomat, and Archbishop of York in the 15th century. The Alcock family has also been connected to various landed gentry and aristocratic families in England.

Genealogical records show that the Alcock family has spread to different parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, through migration and settlement. Today, individuals with the surname Alcock can be found in various professions and walks of life across the globe.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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