Last Name Cooksey

The surname Cooksey is an Anglo-Saxon and Old English name derived from a topographic location called "Cook's Wood" or "Cook's Clearing." It appears that it was used to identify someone who lived near such a place. The first name elements "cocc" or "coke" mean "cake, dough" in Old English and were commonly used to denote red-haired people, while the second part "-huse" or "-sige" meant "house" or "victory." The combination of these elements would create a name for someone living near the dwelling place of a red-haired person. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation have evolved to become Cooksey as we know it today.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cooksey

The meaning and origin of the last name Cooksey

The surname Cooksey is primarily of English origin, derived from various place names that contain "Cook" or "Coke," signifying a cook's residence, as these places were often associated with settlements where cooking was done for the community, such as near a mill or market. The name may also be related to the Old English word "coccian," which means "to cook." Over time, regional variations and spellings of the name have emerged, including Cooksey, Cookzey, Cooksee, Cookeisey, and others. Notable individuals bearing this surname include the British politician George Cooksey (1860-1926), and musician David Cooksey, who was a member of the American folk-rock band The Byrds in the 1970s.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cooksey

The surname Cooksey is predominantly found in England and Ireland. In England, it is most concentrated in the counties of Staffordshire, West Midlands, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire, with smaller pockets in Devon, Cornwall, and Yorkshire. This suggests a historical connection to these regions. In Ireland, Cooksey is mostly found in County Cork and County Tipperary, indicating an Irish origin or migration from England. Additionally, there are small populations of people bearing the last name Cooksey in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. On a global scale, the United States has one of the largest diaspora communities with Cookseys, particularly in states such as Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri, where it is thought to have been carried by English settlers. Other countries with notable Cooksey populations include Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, largely due to the historical British migration during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cooksey

The surname Cooksey has several variations and spellings, including Cooksee, Cookeisey, Cookeasy, Cookeezy, Cookeisy, Cookisay, Cookesey, Cooksai, Cooksy, and Cookse. These differences in spelling are often due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors over time, or individual preferences. The name's roots can be traced back to England, where it originated from occupational names for a cook, baker, or pastry maker, derived from the Middle English word "cook" meaning "to prepare food." Over time, these names have been anglicized and spelled in various ways, reflecting the diverse history of its bearers. Despite these variations, all these surnames can be traced back to the same original name.

Famous people with the last name Cooksey

Notable individuals with the surname Cooksey include:

1. Kris Cooksey – An American professional football player who played as a linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints in the National Football League (NFL).

2. Randy Cooksey – An American politician who served as a member of the Texas House of Representatives from 1987 to 1993, representing District 106.

3. Steve Cooksey – A British journalist, author, and broadcaster. He is best known for his work on BBC Radio 4, where he presented numerous programs including 'Today' and 'You and Yours'.

4. Thomas M. Cooksey – An American architect who was a partner in the Chicago-based firm of Burnham & Co., where he worked with Daniel Burnham on several significant projects, including the World's Columbian Exposition (1893).

5. Trevor Cooksey – A Canadian actor and writer, best known for his role as Mike in the film 'The Return of the Living Dead' (1985) and for co-creating and starring in the television series 'Grossology' (2006–2008).

Genealogical research on the last name Cooksey

The surname Cooksey is of English origin, primarily found in the West Midlands and West Country regions. It is derived from the Old English "coc" meaning cake or loaf of bread, and "sige," victory. This suggests an occupation related to baking or someone who was particularly skilled at making bread. The earliest records showing the Cooksey name date back to the late 13th century in Warwickshire, with Richard Cocusi recorded in the Hundred Rolls of 1279. The name evolved over time, with various spellings such as Cochsee, Cookeis, Coocksey, and Cookseys, reflecting the local dialects and scribes' interpretations. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Samuel Cooksey, a British Member of Parliament in the late 17th century, and Edward Cooksey, an English philologist who contributed to the field of linguistics in the early 20th century.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

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

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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 : 13 June 2025

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