Surname Hancock - Meaning and Origin

Discovering Ancestral Insights: How a DNA Test Redefined My Hancock Heritage

My life and self-understanding, deeply rooted in my English Hancock heritage, were impacted significantly by unexpected insights from my DNA test at iGENEA. The discovery of a hitherto unknown Norse and Sami lineage, embedded in my genes, opened new dimensions in my self-discovery.

D. Hancock

Hancock: What does the surname Hancock mean?

The surname Hancock is of English origin and is derived from the medieval personal name "Hann" or "Han" combined with the diminutive suffix "-cock". This suffix was used to denote "little" or "younger". Therefore, Hancock could mean "son of Hann" or "the younger Hann". Alternatively, it may also refer to someone who was a servant of a man named Hann. This name was particularly popular in the 13th century in England. It's worth noting that surnames during this time were often based on a person's occupation, place of residence, or even personal characteristics. However, in the case of Hancock, it seems to be patronymic, tracing lineage through male ancestors.

Hancock: Where does the name Hancock come from?

The surname Hancock derived from the medieval personal name "Hann", a short form of Johannes, and the diminutive suffix "-cock", meaning little. Hence, it literally means "little Hann." The name "Hann" was a popular name in the Middle Ages in England, which contributed to the last name's frequency.

Some variations of the last name include Handcock, Hankok, Handcoke, and others. The earliest records of this surname date back to the 13th century in England and it gained popularity over the years. Notably, it's associated with the heroic American revolutionary figure John Hancock, who is famously known for his large, flamboyant signature on the United States Declaration of Independence.

Currently, the surname Hancock is most common in the United States, followed by England as per recorded frequencies. In the US, it is most populous in the states of Texas, California, and Florida. In England, it's widely seen in regions like Greater London, the South East, and North West. To a lesser extent, the surname also occurs in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Wales, and South Africa.

Variations of the surname Hancock

The surname Hancock is a variant of the original John Cock (Little John) in English, and has several different spellings, variants, and related surnames. Some of these include: Handcock, Hancox, Hancockson, Hankcock, Hanecock, Hanckock, Hanncock. Regional variations could also include Hannacock, Hammacott, and Hancorne. The surname could have been altered over time due to immigration and language differences.

In addition, due to the patronymic nature of some cultures, in which surnames are derived from the name of one's father or a paternal ancestor, variations like Hanco's or Hancocke may also occur, denoting "son of Hancock".

Moreover, it's also possible the name could have been translated into different languages or simply transcribed incorrectly, resulting in entirely different, yet related, surnames across various cultures and regions.

Despite the variations, the most recognizable and widespread version of the surname remains Hancock, largely due to notable figures such as John Hancock, one of the signatories of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.

Famous people with the name Hancock

• Herbie Hancock: This American jazz pianist and composer is considered one of the most innovative and influential figures in the genre.
• John Hancock: Known for his large and stylish signature on the United States Declaration of Independence, John was an American statesman and a leading figure of the American Revolution.
• Tony Hancock: English actor and comedian famous for his BBC series Hancock's Half Hour.
• Sheila Hancock: An award-winning British actress and author, notable for her long and successful acting career.
• Graham Hancock: British author known for his unconventional theories about ancient civilizations.
• Butch Hancock: An American country and folk musician and songwriter.
• Winfield Scott Hancock: A United States Army officer and Democratic nominee for President of the United States.
• Thomas Hancock: Inventor of the masticator, a machine that shredded rubber scraps, leading to breakthroughs in the rubber industry.
• Jennifer Hancock: American author and founder of Humanist Learning Systems.
• Hancock Lee Jackson: An American politician who served as the 32nd Governor of North Carolina.
• Roxane Gay (Hancock): Prominent American writer, professor, editor, and social commentator, known for her work in feminism and body positivity.

Other surnames

Hancox