LOCK
Lock
Lock is an English surname of occupational origin, deriving from the Old English word 'locc,' meaning a lock of hair or a fastening device. The Lock surname is believed to have been used to describe a lock-keeper, a maker of locks or keys, or a locksmith.
Distribution
The surname Lock is primarily found in England, particularly in the southern counties such as Surrey, Kent, and Sussex. Over time, variations of the name such as Locke and Locks have also emerged.
Notable Individuals
- John Lock (1632-1704): An influential English philosopher regarded as the "Father of Liberalism" and known for his contributions to social contract theory.
- Charles Lock (b. 1985): A British Olympic rower who won a gold medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics as part of the men's coxless four team.
- Margaret Lock (b. 1948): A prominent British-Canadian anthropologist known for her work on medical anthropology and gender studies.
Heraldic Symbolism
The Lock family crest typically features elements such as keys, locks, or other symbols associated with security and protection. These symbols often represent the family's historical connection to the locksmith trade or their role as guardians and protectors.
References
- Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1991). A dictionary of English surnames. Oxford University Press.
- Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford dictionary of family names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.
There are approximately 14,039 people named Lock in the UK. That makes it the 638th most common surname in Britain. Around 216 in a million people in Britain are named Lock.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
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
- John
- Michael
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Alison
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Patricia
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.