Last Name Kokelaere

The last name "Kokelaere" is of Dutch origin. It is a habitational surname derived from the place name "Koekelare", which is a municipality in the province of West Flanders, Belgium. The name likely denotes someone who was from or lived near this location.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kokelaere

The meaning and origin of the last name Kokelaere

Kokelaere is a Dutch surname that likely has origins in the region of Flanders, which is now part of Belgium. The surname is considered to be of toponymic origin, meaning it likely comes from a place name. The name may have derived from the Dutch words "koe," meaning cow, and "laar," meaning pasture or clearing, suggesting that it may have originally been used to describe someone who lived near or worked in a cow pasture. It is also possible that the surname is a variation of the surname "Van de Kokeleare," which was a surname of Flemish origin that meant "from the charcoal burner's hut." Over time, various spelling variations of the surname have emerged, including Coclaer, Coclaere, and Coclaeir. Today, the surname Kokelaere is relatively rare and may be found predominantly in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kokelaere

The last name Kokelaere is predominantly found in Belgium, specifically in the regions of Flanders and Brussels. The name is of Dutch origin and is believed to have originated from the town of Kockelaere in East Flanders. As a result, many individuals with the surname Kokelaere can trace their ancestry back to this region. However, there are also some scattered occurrences of the surname in other parts of Europe, particularly in neighboring countries such as the Netherlands and France. Additionally, due to migration patterns and globalization, there may be individuals with the last name Kokelaere residing in other parts of the world as well, although in smaller numbers. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Kokelaere is primarily concentrated in Belgium, with some presence in neighboring countries and potentially beyond.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kokelaere

Variations and spellings of the last name Kokelaere include Cocquelaere, Cocqelaere, Cocqelare, Cocquerell, and Kokelare. These variations may be the result of different spellings used in historical documents, different dialects or regional accents, or simply errors in transcription. The surname Kokelaere is of Belgian origin and is most commonly found in the Flanders region of Belgium. It is believed to be derived from the Flemish word "cokaert" meaning "jacket", possibly indicating that an ancestor of individuals with this last name worked as a tailor or in the textile industry. Regardless of the spelling or variation, individuals with the last name Kokelaere can take pride in their rich Belgian heritage and the unique history behind their family name.

Famous people with the last name Kokelaere

There are no famous people with the last name Kokelaere that are widely known to the general public. The surname Kokelaere is relatively rare and not associated with any well-known individuals in history or popular culture. It is possible that there may be individuals with this surname who have achieved success in their respective fields, but their accomplishments are not widely publicized or recognized outside of their immediate circles. Despite the lack of famous figures with the last name Kokelaere, it is important to remember that fame and success come in many different forms, and individuals with this surname may have made valuable contributions to their communities or industries in ways that may not necessarily result in widespread recognition.

Genealogical research on the last name Kokelaere

The last name Kokelaere is of Dutch origin and can be traced back to medieval times. The surname is believed to have been derived from the Dutch word "kerklaar," which translates to "church clear" or "church light." This may suggest that the original bearer of the name was involved in church-related activities or lived near a church. Over the centuries, the Kokelaere family likely spread throughout the Netherlands and Belgium, with branches of the family settling in different regions. Genealogical research on the Kokelaere surname may reveal connections to prominent individuals, historical events, and other surname variations. Today, descendants of the Kokelaere family can be found in various parts of the world, each with their own unique family history and lineage.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "kokelaere"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends