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Coker Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the Coker Surname

The Coker surname finds its earliest roots in England, emerging in the early 13th century. This period marks the beginning of genealogical records, establishing the Coker name as a significant identifier within early English society. The name Coker has historically been associated with familial and social structures, reflecting the cultural and societal norms of medieval England.

Over the centuries, the Coker family tree expanded geographically, with notable concentrations in regions such as Devon and Somerset in England. By the 17th century, the Coker surname had begun to spread beyond the British Isles, carried by emigrants to the Americas. This migration continued into the 18th century, with Coker individuals establishing roots in various states across the United States. The surname's spread reflects broader patterns of colonization and exploration during these centuries.

YourRoots data enriches our understanding of the Coker genealogy by confirming the surname's establishment in England by the 13th century. The dataset highlights the Coker family's expansion across England during the medieval period and its subsequent migration to the Americas in the 17th and 18th centuries. This aligns with historical trends of migration and settlement, offering genealogists a comprehensive view of the Coker family's evolution.

In modern times, Coker records continue to illustrate the surname's global presence, particularly in the United States. The YourRoots database serves as a valuable resource for those researching the Coker family tree, providing insights into the surname's rich history and its continued legacy across continents.

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Origin of the Coker Family: Where does the Coker surname come from?

The Coker surname has its earliest known appearance in England during the early 13th century. This time marked the beginning of genealogical records for families bearing the Coker name, establishing a crucial connection to the family's roots in the British Isles. The historical context of this period highlights the formation of familial structures and the significance of surnames as identifiers in early English society.

Genealogy and Early Family History of Coker

Throughout the subsequent centuries, the Coker family began to spread across England, with notable concentrations in key regions such as the southwest, particularly in Devon and Somerset. As the centuries progressed, families with the Coker surname established branches of their family trees, often linked to agricultural and community life in these areas. The 14th and 15th centuries saw significant growth in the number of Coker individuals, further solidifying their presence in English society.

As the Coker family tree evolved, many families began to migrate, leading to a broader distribution of the surname and its variants. This expansion was facilitated by socio-economic factors, including trade and land ownership, which allowed Coker families to establish themselves in new locations, contributing to their genealogical diversity.

Tracing the Coker Family Tree Through the Centuries

The 17th century marked a pivotal point for the Coker surname as many family members began to emigrate to the Americas, particularly to what would become the United States. This migration continued into the 18th century, where a significant number of Cokers settled in various states, reflecting the broader patterns of colonization and exploration during this time. By the 19th century, the Coker surname had established a substantial presence across the United States, showcasing a remarkable adaptation to new environments.

As the Coker family continued to flourish, they established diverse branches in regions across the globe, including parts of Canada and Australia in the 19th and 20th centuries. This expansion demonstrates the resilience and adaptability of the Coker lineage, as families navigated the complexities of migration and settlement. The global spread of the Coker surname has enriched its genealogical narrative, connecting various branches of the family tree across continents and cultures.

Where to Find Coker Genealogy Records Today

In the modern centuries, the Coker surname continues to enjoy a widespread presence, particularly in the United States, where many descendants have maintained family traditions and connections. The 20th and 21st centuries have seen the Coker family grow even further, with a continuing interest in genealogy and ancestral ties. For those exploring their heritage, the YourRoots database is an invaluable resource for uncovering

Famous People with Coker (and Their Family Tree)

Scott Coker

Scott Coker

Scott Coker, born on October 3, 1962, is a renowned figure in the world of mixed martial arts, having significantly impacted the sport as a promoter and executive. He founded Strikeforce in 1985, which became a leading MMA promotion in the United States before being sold to Zuffa, LLC in 2011. Coker's tenure as president of Bellator MMA began in 2014, where he transitioned the organization into a non-tournament-focused promotion. He holds an 8th degree black belt in Taekwondo and has a background as a movie stuntman, participating in films like Dragon Fight and Surf Ninjas.

Scott Coker was born in Seoul in 1962 to an American father from Tennessee and a Korean mother. His parents met in Korea, where his father was stationed after the Korean War, and they married in December 1959. The family moved to San Jose, California, when Scott was about nine years old.

Jalen Coker

Jalen Coker

Jalen Coker is an American professional football wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers in the NFL. Born on October 30, 2001, Coker excelled in college football with the Holy Cross Crusaders, setting a school record with 31 touchdowns and amassing 2,684 receiving yards. Despite going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, he signed with the Panthers and made a significant impact in Week 15 against the Dallas Cowboys with an impressive 110 yards and a touchdown. His prowess on the field has marked him as a rising star in professional football.

Larry Coker

Larry Coker

Larry Edward Coker, born June 23, 1948, is a renowned American former college football coach known for his successful tenure as head coach at the University of Miami (2001-2006) and the University of Texas at San Antonio (2011-2016). Coker's most notable achievement was leading the Miami Hurricanes to an undefeated season and a national championship victory in 2001, earning him accolades like the Paul "Bear" Bryant Award. His career also includes coaching roles at Ohio State, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State, where he mentored future NFL stars such as Thurman Thomas and Barry Sanders.

Gareth Coker

Gareth Coker

Gareth Coker is a renowned British composer celebrated for his exceptional contributions to video game music. Notable achievements include composing the scores for critically acclaimed games such as "Ori and the Blind Forest," "Ori and the Will of the Wisps," "ARK: Survival Evolved," and "Halo Infinite." Coker's work has garnered numerous accolades, including a BAFTA Game Award nomination and a win at the D.I.C.E. Awards. His compositions are known for their orchestral richness and thematic depth, often employing ethnic instruments to enhance the gaming experience. Coker's talent has positioned him as a leading figure in the video game music industry, appealing to a global audience.

Jake Coker

Jake Coker

Bryant Jacob "Jake" Coker, born August 4, 1992, is a former American football quarterback renowned for his college football achievements with the Florida State Seminoles and Alabama Crimson Tide. He notably led Alabama to victory in the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against Clemson. Coker's college career highlights include competing with Jameis Winston at Florida State and overcoming setbacks to become Alabama's starting quarterback under coach Nick Saban. Despite signing with the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2016, Coker retired in 2017 due to ongoing knee issues. His journey from high school standout at St. Paul's Episcopal School in Mobile, Alabama to national champion remains a testament to his resilience and talent.

Coker Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "Coker" is associated with a variety of individuals across different fields, including sports, arts, academia, and politics, indicating a widespread presence in both historical and contemporary contexts. While the specific origin and meaning of the surname are not detailed in the provided content, it is shared by notable figures such as James Lide Coker, founder of Sonoco Products Company and Coker College, and Daniel Coker, the first American Methodist missionary to Sierra Leone.

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Where to Find Genealogy Records for Coker

We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Coker family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Coker surname to learn more.

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