WILCOCK
Wilcock
Wilcock is a surname of English origin, derived from the given name William, which means "desiring peace" in Old French. The name first appeared in England in the 11th century and has been found predominantly in the northern counties of Lancashire and Yorkshire.
Origins and Meaning
The surname Wilcock is a patronymic surname, meaning "son of Wilcock", with Wilcock being a diminutive form of William. The name William itself is of Germanic origin, composed of the elements "wil", meaning desire, and "helm", meaning helmet or protection. Over time, the name Wilcock evolved as a variation of the patronymic surname Williamson.
Distribution and Variants
Wilcock is relatively common in northern England, particularly in Lancashire and Yorkshire, where many families have historically carried the name. Variants of the surname include Wilcox and Wilcockson, reflecting different anglicised spellings or extensions of the original form.
Notable Individuals
- George Wilcox (1826–1894) – An English cricketer who played for Yorkshire in the mid-19th century.
- Clara Wilcock (1874–1950) – A British suffragette and activist who campaigned for women's rights in the early 20th century.
Contemporary Significance
The surname Wilcock continues to be borne by individuals across the United Kingdom and in various parts of the world. It retains its historical association with northern England and its connection to the name William, a ubiquitous name with enduring popularity.
In conclusion, the surname Wilcock is a testament to the rich tapestry of English surnames and their evolution over time. Its roots in the name William and its widespread presence in northern England contribute to its significance as a distinctive and enduring surname.
There are approximately 6,655 people named Wilcock in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,415th most common surname in Britain. Around 102 in a million people in Britain are named Wilcock.
Surname type: Diminutive
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
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Jean
- Julie
- Laura
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.