Hockey

Origin

Hockey is an English surname with origins dating back to medieval times. The name is believed to be of regional origin, deriving from the Old English word "hoc" meaning a hook or projecting ridge of land. The surname may have been used to refer to someone who lived near a hook-shaped piece of land or near a bend in a river.

Variants

Variants of the surname Hockey include Hockley and Hockaday.

Distribution and Popularity

The surname Hockey is most commonly found in the south of England, particularly in the counties of Surrey, Hampshire, and Sussex. It is not one of the most common surnames in Britain but has maintained a certain level of prevalence over the centuries.

Notable Individuals

Notable individuals bearing the surname Hockey include:

  • Paul Hockey: A British musician known for his work as a composer and performer.
  • Sarah Hockey: An English actress who has appeared in a variety of television and film productions.
  • Mark Hockey: A well-known figure in the field of British journalism, particularly in the area of political reporting.

Coat of Arms

The Hockey family Coat of Arms features a shield with a distinctive heraldic design that often includes elements such as a hook. These coats of arms were historically used as a means of identification for knights in battle and have been passed down through generations as a symbol of family pride and heritage.

Conclusion

The surname Hockey is a notable English surname with a rich history dating back to medieval times. While not among the most common surnames in Britain, it has maintained a presence in various regions, particularly in the southern counties. The surname carries a sense of history and tradition, with notable individuals contributing to fields such as music, acting, and journalism.

There are approximately 1,697 people named Hockey in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,828th most common surname in Britain. Around 26 in a million people in Britain are named Hockey.

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
  • Anthony
  • Christopher
  • David
  • Ian
  • John
  • Martin
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Philip
  • Stephen

Female

  • Carol
  • Claire
  • Deborah
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Julie
  • Linda
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Sylvia
  • Valerie

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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