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What does your surname mean?

As every genealogist knows, we're all the product of our family's history. But genetics aren't the only thing that we pass down the generations. Used to identify our familial bonds, surnames link us to even our most distant ancestors. If your curious about your family history, doing a surname search is a great place to start.

The origin of your last name can reveal a lot about your earliest ancestors' birthplaces, occupations and more.

Look for your surname

Surname of the Week

Cook

If you meet a Cook, tell them...

The Cook surname comes from Old English, and is common throughout the English-speaking world. The origins of the surname Cook are occupational, derived from the word 'coc'. This name could be used to describe someone who not only cooked, but sold cooked meat, or ran an inn or eating-house.

Interesting facts about Cooks

How common is your surname?

44th most common surname in the UK

We have 596,000 records for the Cook surname. The oldest one dates back to 1220.

Who were Cooks most likely to marry?

Our Marriage record sets tell us which families married Cooks.

What are the most common Cook first names?

  • John
  • William
  • Mary
  • Elizabeth

Our birth record sets tell us the names of Cook family members

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