Last Name Koke

The last name Koke has Germanic origins and is derived from a short form of the given name Nicholas (Nikolaus). In Middle High German, Nikolaus was often abbreviated as Kolos or Kolk, which could be further shortened to forms such as Koke. It is also possible that it originates from a nickname referring to someone with a swollen or deformed nose, as "Koke" can mean "swelling" or "bump" in some German dialects. However, surnames often have multiple origins and regional variations, so it's always best to consult historical records specific to the family for a more accurate account of its origin.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Koke

The meaning and origin of the last name Koke

The surname Koke is primarily of Germanic origin, stemming from various regions in Germany such as Bavaria and Saxony. It is an occupational name derived from the Middle High German word "kocke," which means 'cook' or 'kitchen worker.' Over time, it may also have been a nickname for someone with a rotund or round-faced appearance, as the word "kocke" can refer to a pot or kettle, suggesting a person of substantial size. In some instances, the name could be a shortened form of other names containing the element 'Kock,' such as Kockeritz, which is a place name in Germany. The surname Koke has been recorded in various forms over the centuries, including Cocker, Cook, and Köchlein, reflecting the regional variations in spelling and pronunciation. It is also found among German immigrants who settled in North America during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Koke

The surname Koke is predominantly found in Central Europe, particularly in Germany and Austria. According to data from the FamilyNames database, as of 2019, Germany has the highest concentration of individuals with the surname Koke, followed by Austria. The name is also present in small numbers in other European countries such as Switzerland, Slovakia, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Poland. In terms of global distribution, the majority of Kokes reside in Europe, with a significant minority in North America, primarily in the United States and Canada due to immigration from Europe. The diaspora of Kokes can also be found in countries like Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Brazil, as a result of international migration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Koke

The surname Koke has several variations and spellings worldwide. Some common variants include Coake, Coke, Cook, and Coco, among others. These variations may arise from changes in spelling rules over time, regional differences, or errors in transcription when names were recorded historically. For instance, the English surname Coke is derived from an occupational name for a maker of coarse woolen cloth, while Coake might be a dialectal variation of the same root. The German surname Koke may have origins in topographical names for someone who lived near a wooden hut (hutte) made from oak (Eiche in German), as "koke" can mean "little oak" or "oak tree". These variations emphasize the versatility and complexity of surnames, with multiple factors influencing their development over generations.

Famous people with the last name Koke

Notable individuals with the surname Koke include:

1. Andres Iniesta Koke (born 1991), a professional Spanish footballer who currently plays for the Japanese club Vissel Kobe and the Spain national team, primarily as a central midfielder. He began his career at Real Madrid's youth academy and went on to spend seven seasons with the senior team before moving to Atlético Madrid in 2018.

2. Sergio "Koke" García (born 1974), is a Spanish former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He spent most of his career at Real Betis, where he made over 500 appearances. Known for his technical ability and vision, Koke was a key player in the club's rise from the second division to La Liga contenders during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

3. László Kölösúr-Kökény (1784–1856), a Hungarian military officer who served in the Austrian and Russian armies during the Napoleonic Wars and was a key figure in the Hungarian Revolution of 1848. He played a crucial role in organizing the defense of Pest against the Habsburg forces.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, be it sports, military service, or revolution.

Genealogical research on the last name Koke

The surname Koke is primarily found in Central Europe, particularly Germany and Austria. It originates from the medieval Germanic name "Kokko," which means raven or crow, symbolizing wisdom, knowledge, and authority in ancient Germanic culture.

The earliest known record of the name Koke dates back to the mid-14th century in Bavaria, Germany. The family expanded across the region during the Middle Ages and was later recorded in various city registers and census data throughout the Holy Roman Empire. In Austria, the Koke family is documented in Tyrol, Carinthia, and Styria from the 16th to the 19th centuries.

Over time, variations of the name emerged due to regional spelling differences, such as Köch, Koch, and Coche. Emigration from Germany and Austria during the 1800s led to a distribution of Koke descendants in various countries worldwide, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America. The current genealogical research focuses on reconstructing the family history and tracing the dispersed branches of the Koke lineage across continents.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Koke"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

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