NomOrigine Background

Last Name Kok

What is the origin of the last name Kok?

The last name "Kok" is of Dutch origin. It is derived from the Dutch word "kogge," which was a type of medieval sailing ship that was commonly used in the Baltic and North Sea regions. Over time, the name "Kok" became a common surname in the Netherlands and other Dutch-speaking regions.

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kok

The meaning and origin of the last name Kok

The surname Kok has both Dutch and Chinese origins. In Dutch, Kok is a occupational surname meaning "cook" or "kitchen worker", indicating that an ancestor of the bearer was involved in culinary activities. This could have been in a professional capacity or as a personal cook within a household. On the other hand, in Chinese, the surname Kok (郭) is thought to be derived from the ancient city of Guo, which was situated near modern-day Shandong province. The name Guo itself means "outer" or "surrounding", suggesting that the original bearers of this surname may have come from a place situated on the outskirts of a city or region. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation have led to the surname Kok being found in various countries with different linguistic influences.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kok

The last name Kok has a primarily Dutch origin and is a common surname in the Netherlands, particularly in regions such as South Holland, North Holland, and Gelderland. Additionally, the surname can also be found in other European countries such as Belgium and Germany, as well as in Indonesia due to historical ties between the Netherlands and the former Dutch East Indies. In recent years, the surname has also spread to countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia due to migration patterns and globalization. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Kok indicates its European roots but also reflects how diverse and interconnected the world has become through various historical and contemporary movements of people.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kok

The last name Kok has several variations and spellings depending on region and language. Some common variations include Kock, Kockh, Koch, and Kokk. In Dutch, the name may also be spelled as Cok or Cock. In Indonesian, the name may be spelled as Kokh or Kock. Additionally, variations such as Koh, Kocke, and Kockel are also seen in various regions. The different spellings and variations of the last name Kok can be attributed to changes in pronunciation over time, as well as differences in transliteration from various languages and dialects. Despite the variations in spelling, the name Kok typically retains its original meaning and significance. Whether spelled as Kok, Kock, Koch, or another variation, the name continues to be a common surname in various parts of the world.

Famous people with the last name Kok

One famous individual with the last name Kok is Oleh Kokcharov, a Ukrainian politician and businessman who served as the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Ukraine. Another notable figure is Andrey Kokoshin, a Russian political scientist and former politician who was a member of the State Duma. In the world of sports, Yorick Kok is a Dutch footballer who has played for various clubs in the Netherlands and abroad. Additionally, Enny Kok, a Dutch former swimmer, achieved remarkable success in the 1960s and 1970s, winning multiple medals at the European Championships and other international competitions. These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, showcasing the diverse talents and accomplishments of those with the last name Kok.

Genealogical research on the last name Kok

The surname Kok is of Dutch origin and is derived from the Middle Dutch word "koke," which means cook. It is believed to have been an occupational surname given to someone who worked as a cook or in a related culinary profession. The name likely originated in the Netherlands and is commonly found in regions such as South Holland and Friesland. Genealogical research on the Kok surname would involve tracing back the family line through historical records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, census data, and passenger lists. Variations of the name include Cooke, Cook, and Koch. Today, individuals with the surname Kok can be found in countries all over the world, including the Netherlands, South Africa, and the United States.

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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Kokabi (Last name)

surnames > kokabi

The last name "Kokabi" is of Persian origin. It is a common surname in Iran and other Persian-speaking countries. The name likely has roots in the Persian language, but the exact m...

Kokal (Last name)

surnames > kokal

The last name "Kokal" is of Czech and Slovak origin. It is derived from the Czech/Slovak word "kokal" which means "cuckoo" in English. The surname may have originally been a nickna...

Kokan (Last name)

surnames > kokan

The last name Kokan is of Croatian and Slovenian origin. It is derived from the word "kokot," which means "rooster" in Croatian and Slovenian.

Kokanoth (Last name)

surnames > kokanoth

The last name "Kokanoth" is of Indian origin. It likely originates from the Telugu language spoken in the southern part of India.

Kokare (Last name)

surnames > kokare

The last name Kokare is of Indian origin, specifically from the state of Maharashtra in western India. It is a Marathi surname and is believed to have originated from the Maratha c...

Kokaya (Last name)

surnames > kokaya

The surname "Kokaya" is of Japanese origin. It can be derived from different kanjis (Chinese characters used in Japanese) and could have different meanings depending on the charact...

Kokh (Last name)

surnames > kokh

The last name "Kokh" originates from Russia and Ukraine. It is derived from the Ukrainian word "kokh" which means "fighting cock" or "rooster". It is a common surname in these regi...

Kokhan (Last name)

surnames > kokhan

The last name Kokhan is of Ukrainian origin. It is derived from the Ukrainian word "kokhanets," which refers to a type of bird, specifically the Corn Crake bird. The last name is l...

Kokhanova (Last name)

surnames > kokhanova

The last name "Kokhanova" likely has origins in Russia or Ukraine. It is a surname derived from the word "kokhan," which means "cuckoo" in Russian. Cuckoos are birds known for thei...

Kokhar (Last name)

surnames > kokhar

The last name "Kokhar" is of Indian origin, specifically from the region of Punjab. It is a surname belonging to the Khatri and Jatt communities within the Punjabi caste system.

Koki k (Last name)

surnames > koki-k

The last name Koki K likely originated from Japan. "Koki" is a common Japanese given name, and "K" may indicate an initial or additional part of a surname. The exact origin and mea...

Kokka (Last name)

surnames > kokka

The surname "Kokka" is of Finnish origin. It is derived from the word "kokka," which means the bow of a ship in Finnish. It is likely that the surname was originally used to denote...

Kokkada (Last name)

surnames > kokkada

The last name Kokkada is of Indian origin, specifically from the Karnataka region. It is likely derived from a place name or geographical feature in India.

Kokkadu (Last name)

surnames > kokkadu

The last name "Kokkadu" is of Indian origin and is most commonly found in the southern state of Kerala. The name is believed to be of Tamil or Malayali descent and may be derived f...

Kokkallur (Last name)

surnames > kokkallur

The last name "Kokkallur" is of Indian origin, specifically from the state of Kerala in southern India. It is a toponymic surname, referring to a place named Kokkallur in Kerala. T...