COOK
Cook
Cook is a common surname of English origin. As an occupational surname, it is derived from the Middle English word "cook" which means someone who prepares food for a living.
Origins
The surname Cook can be traced back to medieval times when surnames began to be adopted for identification purposes. It was often given to those who worked as cooks in castles, manors, or other households. The occupation of cooking was an important and valued role in society, leading to the widespread use of the surname across England.
Distribution
The surname Cook is one of the most prevalent surnames in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. Variants of the name, such as Cooke, are also common.
Notable People
- Captain James Cook (1728-1779): A British explorer and navigator who made significant voyages to the Pacific Ocean, including Australia and New Zealand.
- Alistair Cooke (1908-2004): A British-American journalist and broadcaster known for his radio program "Letter from America."
- Rachael Ray: A celebrity chef and television personality known for her cooking shows and cookbooks.
- Sam Cooke (1931-1964): An influential American soul singer and songwriter, known for hits like "A Change Is Gonna Come."
Legacy
The surname Cook symbolizes the vital role of cooks throughout history, as well as the importance of food and cuisine in various cultures. The legacy of the surname continues to be carried on by individuals worldwide who bear the name and contribute to the culinary arts or other fields.
There are approximately 91,191 people named Cook in the UK. That makes it the 64th most common surname in Britain. Around 1,400 in a million people in Britain are named Cook.
Surname type: Occupational name
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Julie
- Linda
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.