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Last Name Hocquet

What is the origin of the last name Hocquet?

The surname Hocquet is of French origin. It comes from a nickname for someone who was skilled at making and using a type of throwing spear known as a "hoche" or "hocquet". This weapon was commonly used in medieval warfare. Over time, the name spread to other regions as people migrated. The name is less common today but can still be found in France and its diaspora.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Hocquet

The meaning and origin of the last name Hocquet

The surname Hocquet is of French origin, primarily found in the northern regions of France such as Picardy and Normandy. It is an occupational name derived from the Old French word "hocquart," which means "javelin" or "spear." This suggests that a bearer of this surname may have been a maker or seller of javelins, spears, or similar weapons. The name could also be a topographic name for someone who lived near a place where such weapons were made or used. As with many French surnames, the spelling and pronunciation can vary, including Hocquet, Hoquet, Hoket, and other variations. Over time, as families migrated or assimilated into different cultures, variations in the spelling of this name have arisen.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hocquet

The surname Hocquet is predominantly found in France, particularly in the region of Champagne-Ardenne and Picardy. It also has notable presence in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Franche-Comté regions. According to genealogical records, the name originated from the town of Hocquincourt in Pas-de-Calais department. The diaspora of people bearing this surname has led to its appearance in various parts of France and, more recently, in other countries. Emigration waves during the 19th and 20th centuries saw Hocquet families settle in Belgium, Canada, the United States, and Switzerland, among others. Today, the distribution of the name reflects these historical migration patterns, with significant populations found outside of France as well.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hocquet

The surname Hocquet has several variations and spellings, mostly due to differences in spelling conventions over time and across regions. Some common variants include Hocquart, Hocquet-Valette, Hocquard, Hockett, Hocket, and Hockettte. These variations can be found among French, Belgian, and English families. The name is generally believed to have originated from a place named Hocquinghen in Pas-de-Calais, France. Another theory suggests that it could be of Germanic origin, derived from the personal name Hoket or Hochat. Over time, these variations may have arisen due to factors such as regional dialects, scribal errors, and assimilation with other names.

Famous people with the last name Hocquet

The Hocquet family has produced notable figures across various fields, although none have achieved global fame comparable to some well-known individuals with more common surnames. One of the most prominent Hocquets is Jean-Baptiste Hocquet, a French botanist and entomologist who made significant contributions to the study of insects in the 19th century. In the world of sports, Gaël Hocquet, born in France in 1978, is a professional tennis player who reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 243 in 2006. Furthermore, Belgian politician Émile Hocquard (1852-1918) served as Minister of Public Works from 1900 to 1907 and played an essential role in the construction of the Brussels metro system during his tenure. Despite their accomplishments, Jean-Baptiste, Gaël, and Émile Hocquet are not as widely recognized as some other individuals with more prevalent surnames.

Genealogical research on the last name Hocquet

The surname Hocquet is believed to have originated from France, specifically the Picardy region. Historically, it is thought that the name may have derived from the Old French "huc" or "huchet," meaning 'a little hut' or 'small house.' Early records show that the name was first found in the area of Vermandois, where many Hocquet families lived during the Middle Ages. Among them were the Knights Templar and later, members of the French Resistance during the Hundred Years War. The family spread across France during the 15th and 16th centuries, with some branches emigrating to Belgium and the Netherlands. In modern times, descendants of the Hocquet family can be found in various countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, where they have made significant contributions in fields such as politics, art, and science.

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 : 12 June 2025

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