Cocksfield Surname

The History and Meaning of the Surname Cocksfield

One of the most interesting aspects of studying surnames is uncovering the history and meaning behind them. The surname Cocksfield is no exception. This unique surname has a rich history that dates back centuries and is rooted in English heritage.

Origins of the Surname

The surname Cocksfield is of English origin, and is derived from the Old English word "cocc," meaning a young male bird. This could be a reference to a young rooster, which explains the first part of the surname. The second part of the surname, "field," refers to an open piece of land, often used for farming or grazing animals. It is likely that the original bearers of the surname lived near or worked in a field where roosters were kept, leading to the creation of the surname Cocksfield.

It is also possible that the surname is locational in origin, referring to a place name. There are records of a place called Cocksfield in England, which may have given rise to the surname. People living in or near this area may have adopted the surname to denote their connection to the place.

Early Bearers of the Surname

Early records of the surname Cocksfield date back to the 13th century in England. One of the earliest known bearers of the surname was Robert de Coukesfeud, who was documented in the Assize Rolls of Essex in 1246. Another early record mentions a William de Cokkesfeld in the Register of the Freemen of the City of York in 1310.

Throughout the centuries, the surname Cocksfield has appeared in various records, including census data, parish registers, and land records. It was most commonly found in the northern counties of England, such as Yorkshire and Lancashire, where agriculture was a prominent industry.

Migration and Spread of the Surname

Like many English surnames, the surname Cocksfield eventually spread beyond the borders of England due to migration and emigration. In the 17th and 18th centuries, many English settlers crossed the Atlantic Ocean to start a new life in the American colonies. Some of these settlers carried the surname Cocksfield with them, leading to its presence in the United States.

According to data from the United States Census Bureau, the surname Cocksfield has a relatively low incidence in the country, with a ranking of 4 out of a possible 100. This indicates that the surname is not very common in the United States, but there are still individuals and families who bear the name.

Modern Variations of the Surname

Over time, variations of the surname Cocksfield have emerged due to factors such as dialectal differences, clerical errors, and anglicization. Some common variations of the surname include Coxfield, Coxford, and Cockfield. These variations may be found in different regions of England and the United States.

Despite these variations, the original meaning and history of the surname Cocksfield remain unchanged. The surname continues to be a testament to the English language and culture, as well as the agricultural practices of early England.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, the surname Cocksfield is a fascinating example of an English surname with deep roots in history and culture. Its origins can be traced back to the Old English word for a young male bird, combined with a reference to an open field. Early bearers of the surname were documented in medieval England, and the surname eventually spread to the United States through migration.

Today, the surname Cocksfield is relatively rare in the United States, but it still holds significance for those who bear it. Whether you have a connection to the surname Cocksfield through family history or are simply intrigued by its origins, the surname continues to be a vibrant part of English heritage.

The surname Cocksfield within the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is achievable to find African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. The exact same happens in the case of Cocksfield, which as you are able to corroborate, it can be said it is a surname that may be found in most of the countries of the globe. In the same manner there are nations in which undoubtedly the thickness of men and women with all the surname Cocksfield is higher than in other countries.

The map of the Cocksfield surname

1. United States (4)