Last Name Stocking

Learn more about the origin of the last name Stocking

The meaning and origin of the last name Stocking

The surname Stocking is an English occupational name derived from the Old English word "stoccan," which means "stick." Initially, it was used to identify someone who worked as a maker or dealer of wooden articles such as sticks, staves, or staffs. Over time, the name evolved and came to be associated with various professions related to woodworking, such as a manufacturer of fences (stockade), a fence-maker, or a supplier of firewood. The name Stocking also appears in other European countries, including Germany and France, but its origins can be traced primarily to England. In the Middle Ages, occupational names like Stocking were common throughout Europe as a means of identifying a person's trade or profession within their local community.

Geographical distribution of the last name Stocking

The surname Stocking is predominantly distributed across several regions in the English-speaking world, reflecting its historical origins. The highest concentrations are found in England and Wales, with significant populations also in Scotland and Ireland. In England, the name is most common in the counties of Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cheshire, and Cumbria, suggesting a historical connection to these areas. In the United States, Stocking is most prevalent in New England, particularly Massachusetts and Vermont, due to early English settlers from the region. The name can also be found in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, reflecting the migration patterns of British settlers to these countries during colonial times. Minor concentrations exist in other parts of the world where there have been significant waves of British immigration or colonization, such as South Africa, Caribbean islands, and Hong Kong.

Variants and spellings of the last name Stocking

The surname Stocking has several variants and spellings, including Stockin, Stockyn, Stokin, Stoking, Stokyn, Stockene, Stocken, Stockenbach, Stockensperger, Stockes, Stokes, Stocke, Stokeson, Stockson, Stockshon, Stockshaw, Stockslager, and Stockwisch. These variations may be due to regional dialects, transcription errors over time, or intentional changes by individuals or families. The most common spelling in English-speaking countries is Stocking, with Stokes being another popular variant in some regions. However, it's important to note that the exact origins and meanings of these surnames may vary, as they can be of Anglo-Saxon, Old Norse, or Norman French origin, among others. The name may have been originally a nickname for someone who wore stockings or hose, or could have referred to a person who made such items.

Famous people with the last name Stocking

Notable individuals with the surname Stocking include:

1. Peter J. Stocking (born 1946), an American anthropologist and ethnomusicologist, known for his work on music and culture in Southeast Asia. He has served as the director of the Asian Ethnology Division at the American Museum of Natural History.

2. Emily Stocking (born 1982), an American actress who is best recognized for her role as 'Haley Gilmore' in the television series "Roseanne" and its spin-off "The Conners".

3. Richard Stockton Stockton (1804-1866), a prominent American politician from New Jersey, who served in both houses of the United States Congress. He was also one of the signatories to the Declaration of Independence during the Continental Congress in 1776.

4. Paul Stocking (born 1939), an emeritus professor at Cornell University, known for his work on the anthropology and history of religion, particularly focusing on China and Japan.

5. Timothy Stocking (1926-2013), an American painter who was associated with the Abstract Expressionist movement in New York City. He was a recipient of the Guggenheim Fellowship and his work has been exhibited worldwide.

Genealogical research on the last name Stocking

The surname Stocking is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is believed to be an occupational name for a maker or seller of wooden vessels, derived from the Old English word "stoccan" meaning "to carve or cut out," with the suffix "-ing" indicating occupation. The name is found in various spellings throughout history, including Stocken, Stokkyn, and Stokynge.

The earliest recorded instance of the name can be traced back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as "Stocchingen" in Norfolk, England. Throughout medieval England, families bearing this surname were primarily located in the counties of Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cheshire.

In modern times, the distribution of the name Stocking has expanded to include significant populations in the United States, Australia, and Canada, due to migration during the 18th and 19th centuries. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Olympic gold medalist Jim Stockton (USA), musician John Stockton (UK), and astronaut Joseph A. Kerwin (USA).

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Stocking"
• 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