Pollock

Overview

Pollock is a surname of Scottish origin that can be traced back to the ancient Celtic kingdom of Dalriada. The name is believed to be derived from the Gaelic word 'pollach', meaning 'a pool’, typically used to identify someone living near a pool or water source. Over the centuries, the Pollock family has spread across the United Kingdom and beyond, with notable individuals making significant contributions to various fields.

History

The Pollock clan emerged as a prominent family in Renfrewshire, Scotland, and held lands in the West of Scotland. They were closely associated with the Stewart royal dynasty and participated in key historical events. The Pollocks played a role in battles and were esteemed for their military prowess and loyalty.

Distribution

Today, the Pollock surname is found not only in Scotland but also in England, Ireland, and other parts of the world where Scottish immigrants have settled. The name has diversified into various spellings, such as Pollack or Pollocke, reflecting the evolution of language and family branches.

Notable Individuals

  • Jackson Pollock (1912-1956): An influential American artist known for his unique style of abstract expressionism.

  • Sir Frederick Pollock (1845-1937): A distinguished jurist and legal scholar who made significant contributions to English law.

  • Jonathan Pollock (b. 1980): Noted British scientist and researcher in the field of genetics.

Legacy

The Pollock surname carries with it a legacy of resilience, creativity, and intellectual prowess. Families bearing this name continue to make their mark in diverse fields, each adding a chapter to the story of the Pollock lineage. Through their achievements and contributions, the Pollock name remains an enduring part of British history and culture.

There are approximately 8,988 people named Pollock in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,056th most common surname in Britain. Around 138 in a million people in Britain are named Pollock.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Scotland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Andrew
  • David
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • Thomas
  • William

Female

  • Ann
  • Anne
  • Catherine
  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Jean
  • 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.

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