Last Name Paddock

The surname "Paddock" is of Old English origin, derived from the Middle English word "paddoke," which means a small enclosure for sheep or cattle. It is thought that it was originally a nickname for someone who lived near or tended such an enclosure. Over time, the name has been used in various forms and regions, including Padduck, Paddocke, and Padowick, among others. The name is common in England, particularly in Lancashire and Yorkshire, but it can also be found in other parts of the English-speaking world due to migration and historical events.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Paddock

The meaning and origin of the last name Paddock

The surname Paddock is of Old English origin, derived from the word "pædoc," meaning "young sheep." It initially functioned as a nickname or occupational name for someone who worked with young sheep or raised them in a paddock, an enclosed area for grazing animals. Over time, the spelling has been anglicized to Paddock in modern usage. The name is primarily found among English-speaking populations, particularly in England and its colonies.

Geographical distribution of the last name Paddock

The surname Paddock is predominantly found in regions with historical English and Irish settlements. In England, it is most common in counties such as Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Cumberland, where the name originated from the Old Norse term 'páttr' meaning "enclosure" or "fence." In Ireland, Paddock is particularly prevalent in counties like Tipperary, Kilkenny, and Waterford. The name also has a significant presence in Scotland and Wales due to historical migration patterns between these countries. In recent years, there have been sizeable diasporas of individuals with the surname Paddock to North America, particularly the United States and Canada, where it can be found in states such as Texas, California, Florida, and provinces like Ontario and British Columbia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Paddock

The surname Paddock is spelled as follows: Paddock (most common), Padock, Padock, Padocke, Pacock, Pagdock, and Padhock. These variations may stem from regional or family-specific pronunciation differences, historical misspellings, or errors in transcription over time. In some cases, the spelling can also be influenced by the local dialect or phonetics of a particular region. For example, the "c" in Padocke and Pacock could be interchangeable with the harder sounding "k", while the "d" in Pagdock and Padhock might represent softer sounds more common in certain regions. It is always fascinating to explore the myriad ways a single name can evolve over centuries, reflecting the diverse history of our global population.

Famous people with the last name Paddock

Stephen Paddock, an infamous figure, gained global attention following the deadliest shooting in modern U.S. history that took place on October 1, 2017, in Las Vegas. He opened fire from his hotel suite onto a crowd attending an outdoor music festival, resulting in 58 fatalities and over 850 injuries. The incident marked one of the deadliest mass shootings in modern world history. Prior to this event, Paddock was known for being a high-stakes gambler and a real estate investor. His brother, Eric Paddock, was a surprise interviewee after the shooting, providing insights into his family's shock at Stephen's actions and expressing disbelief about what had transpired.

Genealogical research on the last name Paddock

The surname Paddock is of English origin, deriving from Old English and Middle English roots. It's believed to have been either a topographic name for someone who lived in a valley enclosed by a fence or an occupational name for a maker or repairer of paddocks (enclosures for animals). The earliest record of the name dates back to 1273, with William de Padoke listed in the Hundred Rolls of Yorkshire. Throughout history, notable individuals bearing the surname Paddock include Sir Christopher Paddock, a Member of Parliament during the 1600s, and Charles Paddock, an Olympic athlete who won gold in the 1928 Summer Olympics. The name is most prevalent in England, but significant populations can also be found in the United States, Australia, and Canada.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Paddock"
• 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 June 2025

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