Hancock (surname)


Hancock is an English surname. It is derived from a given name, a short form of the name Johan combined with the hypocoristic suffix -cok which came into fashion in the 13th century, from cok "cock", applied to "a young lad who strutted proudly like a cock". As a given name, Hanecok is recorded in the 13th century in the Hundred Rolls of Yorkshire.
The Dictionary of American Family Names mentions an alternative Dutch etymology, from hanecoc "periwinkle".
An Irish variation is Handcock, as borne by Baron Castlemaine.

People from Australia