The surname Kokko is of Finnish origin. It is derived from a variety of sources including occupational names, toponyms, and nicknames.
1. Occupational Names: In this case, the name Kokko may have originated as an occupation name for a blacksmith or a metalworker. The word "kokko" in Finnish means 'smith' or 'forger'.
2. Toponyms: Another possible origin is from place names. There are several places named Kokko in Finland, such as Kokkola and Kokonniemi, which could have been the source of this surname for people who lived there.
3. Nicknames: It's also possible that the name was originally a nickname or byname, possibly derived from a physical characteristic, habit, or trait. In Old Finnish, "kokko" means 'rooster', so it could have been used as a nickname for someone with a similar appearance or personality.
The precise origin of the surname Kokko may vary depending on individual families and their specific histories. However, it is clear that the name has its roots in Finnish language and culture.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Kokko
The meaning and origin of the last name Kokko
The surname Kokko is primarily of Finnish origin, though it may also be found among Finnic-speaking populations in other regions such as Estonia and Karelia. The name Kokko is derived from the Finnish word "kokko," which means "rooster" or "cock." It can be traced back to ancient pagan beliefs where a rooster represented the sky-god Ukko, one of the main deities in the Finnish and Sami mythology. The surname Kokko was first used as a nickname for individuals who were thought to resemble a rooster or exhibited characteristics associated with roosters, such as vigilance or strength. Over time, the name became hereditary and is now a common Finnish surname.
Geographical distribution of the last name Kokko
The surname Kokko is primarily distributed across Finland, with a significant concentration in the southern and western regions, particularly in cities such as Helsinki, Turku, and Tampere. This indicates its origin from these areas. Beyond Finland, smaller populations of individuals bearing the last name Kokko can also be found in Sweden, the United States, and Canada, likely due to immigration or migration events. It's also present in other Nordic countries as a result of historical connections with Finland. The distribution suggests that Kokko is a Finnish surname, but its spread to other parts of the world highlights the global dispersion of individuals originating from Finland or having Finnish ancestry.
Variants and spellings of the last name Kokko
The surname Kokko has various spelling variations across different regions and time periods. Some common variants include: Cocco, Coquo, Kokkoen, Kokkonen, Kokkoine, Kokkoinen, Kokkoin, Kokke, Kokkeinen, Kokkinen, Kokko-Vehvilainen, and Kokkola. These variations may have arisen due to factors such as spelling errors, regional dialects, or changes in the language over time. The name is of Finnish origin, and it is believed to derive from a nickname meaning "rooster" or "cock," referring to a person with red hair or a fiery temperament.
Famous people with the last name Kokko
Notable individuals bearing the surname Kokko include:
1. Esa-Pekka Kokko (b. 1976), a Finnish football defender who played for clubs such as MyPa and KuPS, and represented Finland's national team. He retired in 2015.
2. Joonas Kokko (b. 1998), a Finnish ice hockey player who currently plays for the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League (NHL). Prior to joining the NHL, he played for Tappara in Finland's Liiga.
3. Raimo Kokko (b. 1947), a former Prime Minister of Finland who served from 1998 to 2003. He was also the President of the Finnish Social Democratic Party from 1992 to 2001.
4. Aino Kokko (b. 1986), a Finnish singer and actress, who has been part of various bands like Mielipää, Jana-Kaisa and Helsinki Pop Chamber Orchestra. She has also acted in several films and television series.
Genealogical research on the last name Kokko
The surname Kokko is Finnish and originates from a diminutive form of the given name Kauko, which means "the short one" or "the sturdy one." The name is common among Finns and has a long history in Finland.
The earliest recorded instances of the Kokko surname date back to the 16th century. One of the first known bearers was Perttu Kokko, who lived in the early 1500s in the region of Savonia in eastern Finland. The name became more widespread throughout the country during the following centuries as Finnish society transitioned from a predominantly agrarian to a more urbanized one.
Kokko is a relatively common surname in Finland today, and it can be found in various regions across the country. Notable figures bearing this name include Matti Kokko (1893-1975), a Finnish writer, and Arto Kokko (born 1946), a politician who served as Minister of Transport and Communications.
The name's popularity has also spread to other countries with significant Finnish populations, such as Sweden, the United States, and Canada. The diaspora of Finns during the 20th century contributed to the distribution of the Kokko surname worldwide.
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.
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