Last Name Cloke

The surname Cloke is of English origin and is believed to have been derived from a geographical or topographical location. The name could be an occupational name for someone who worked on a cloke (a type of cloak or mantle) or it could originate from a place named with the Old English word "cloc" meaning "swamp" or "marsh." It is also possible that the name is a variant of the English surname Clark, which itself has various origins, including occupational names for a scribe or clerk and nicknames for someone with dark hair or a tanned complexion. As with many surnames, the exact origin of Cloke can be difficult to determine due to the loss of records during historical periods and variations in spelling over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cloke

The meaning and origin of the last name Cloke

The surname Cloke is primarily of English origin and is believed to have derived from various places named "Cloke" scattered across England. These locations are predominantly found in Devon, Shropshire, and Warwickshire. The name of these places has an Old English root, specifically "cloec" or "cleoc," which means a cliff or a rocky outcrop. Over time, this place name evolved into the surname Cloke as individuals identified themselves by their geographical origins. Throughout history, notable bearers of the name Cloke include John Cloke, a 17th-century lexicographer and antiquarian, and Edward Cloke, an English soldier who served during the Napoleonic Wars. The surname Cloke is relatively uncommon but continues to be found in England and its diaspora.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cloke

The surname Cloke is predominantly found in England and Wales, indicating its British origins. According to research from various sources, it is most common in counties such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Durham. The name has also been discovered in smaller numbers in other parts of England, including London, Essex, and Somerset. Outside of the United Kingdom, the Cloke surname can be found in countries with significant British diaspora populations, like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, although it is less frequent compared to its occurrence in the UK. In these countries, concentrations of the surname are often found in urban centers with strong historical links to Britain, such as cities with early settlements by British immigrants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cloke

The surname Cloke has several variations and spelling alternatives, primarily due to historical spelling differences and regional dialects. Some common variants include Cloke, Cluke, Clouk, Clukes, Clook, Cluck, and Close. These variations may have arisen from minor orthographic changes over time or from a deliberate alteration of the name for personal reasons. The earliest known record of the name Cloke is in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as Cloc. The origin of the name is uncertain, but it may be derived from an Old English word "cloc" meaning a bell or chime. Regardless of its spelling, the name Cloke represents a rich heritage and a connection to the past for those who bear it.

Famous people with the last name Cloke

Notable individuals with the surname Cloke include:

1. David Cloke, an English footballer who played as a striker for teams such as Portsmouth and Brentford. He also represented England at the under-21 level.

2. John Cloke, an Australian rules footballer who played for Fitzroy Football Club in the Victorian Football League (VFL). He was known for his strong kicking and was selected to play for Victoria on several occasions.

3. Peter Cloke, a British actor best known for his role as 'Daddy' in the cult British film Quadrophenia. His career spanned over four decades and included appearances in various television shows and films.

4. Sarah Cloke, an American actress and singer who has performed on Broadway and in regional theatre productions. She is also a voice actor, lending her voice to numerous animated series and video games.

Genealogical research on the last name Cloke

The surname Cloke is believed to have originated from the Old English word "cloc" meaning bell. Early records show that the name was first found in Staffordshire, where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor at Clockenfield. From this lineage, a line of descendants migrated to Scotland and Ireland during the medieval period, with some settling in Ulster. The Cloke family is also associated with the Isle of Man, where they were granted lands by William the Conqueror after the Norman Invasion of England in 1066. In the 18th century, branches of the family began to spread throughout England and Scotland, with some migrating to North America during the 17th and 18th centuries. Notable bearers of the name include William Cloke, a British Member of Parliament in the 15th century, and David Cloke, a Scottish judge in the 19th century.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cloke"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 27 July 2025

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