Cooke Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Cooke come from? What does the surname Cooke mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Cooke and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Cooke Origin: What does the last name Cooke mean?
The Cooke surname has English and Irish origins, with its English variant, Cook, stemming from the occupation of a cook. In Ireland, the surname Cooke is commonly derived from the Gaelic name Mac Dhabhóc and Mac Uag. The surname was distributed across Ireland, with households found in counties like Cavan, Galway, and Armagh. In England, Cooke is a variant of the more common spelling Cook, with records dating back to the early 12th century. Over time, the surname has spread globally, with a significant presence in the United States since the 16th century.
YourRoots data confirms the early presence of the Cooke surname in the United Kingdom and its subsequent expansion to countries like France. The surname has established itself worldwide, with significant populations in places like India, Spain, Argentina, Germany, and Nigeria. The Cooke surname reflects a diverse heritage of Gaelic and occupational roots, showcasing its enduring popularity and widespread distribution across various regions and cultures.
Cooke Last Name History: Where did the last name Cooke come from?
Origin of Cooke Surname: Where does the last name Cooke originate from?
Based on the YourRoots database, the surname Cooke was first recorded in the United Kingdom, specifically England, around the early 12th century. This reflects only the exact "Cooke" spelling in the YourRoots database and does not consider other sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Cooke: What does the Cooke surname history look like in the early days?
The "Cooke" surname was primarily associated with England from the 12th through the 15th century, according to the YourRoots data. However, by the 16th century, there was a significant increase in the frequency of Cooke family records in the United States. This trend continued into the 17th century, with the United States surpassing England in the volume of Cooke records.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Cooke surname today?
The Cooke surname has spread globally over the centuries. Today, it is most commonly found in the United States, which has consistently had a high frequency of Cooke records from the 16th century onwards. Despite the shift to the United States, the surname Cooke remains prevalent in England, the place of its earliest recorded usage. However, it is worth noting that the Cooke surname is now found in various other regions worldwide, indicating a broader global spread.
Explore Cooke last name heritage and Cooke surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Cooke Surame?
Sam Cooke
Samuel Cooke (né Cook; January 22, 1931 – December 11, 1964) was an American singer and songwriter known as the "King of Soul." He was a pioneering figure in soul music, with hits like "You Send Me" and "A Change Is Gonna Come." Cooke's career was tragically cut short when he was shot and killed in 1964. Despite his untimely death, he left a lasting impact on the music industry and was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Elwood Cooke
Elwood Thomas Cooke (July 5, 1913 – April 16, 2004) was an amateur American tennis player in the 1930s and 1940s. Cooke was a top-ranked player in the United States and reached the singles final at Wimbledon in 1939. He also won the doubles title that year with Bobby Riggs. After his tennis career, Cooke became the head tennis professional at Sunningdale Country Club in New York. He was married to International Tennis Hall of Famer Sarah Palfrey Cooke and served as a naval officer during World War II.
Ivy Cooke
Ivy Sylvia Lucille Cooke (née Tai; 27 Jun 1916 – 5 Jun 2017) was a Jamaican educator and the wife of Sir Howard Cooke, Governor-General of Jamaica. She taught at various schools and worked for the Ministry of Education before her husband's appointment. Lady Cooke was known for her love of music, organizing Christmas concerts and supporting the Jamaica Independence Festival. She passed away at 100, predeceasing her husband, and was honored with a state funeral and interment at National Heroes Park.
Pinny Cooke
Audre "Pinny" Cooke (December 26, 1923 – August 1, 2004) was an American social activist and politician from New York. She served in the New York State Assembly for several terms, known for her dedication to social and charitable work. Cooke's contributions to her community and politics left a lasting impact, making her a respected figure in Rochester. Her legacy as a trailblazing Republican lawmaker and advocate for change continues to inspire others in the realm of public service.
Mary Leggett Cooke
Mary Leggett Cooke (April 23, 1852 – August 17, 1938) was an American Unitarian minister known for her pioneering work in organizing Unitarian societies in the Midwest. She was the first woman to graduate from Harvard Divinity School and was ordained in 1887. Cooke served as a minister in various locations, including Nebraska, Massachusetts, Colorado, and New Hampshire. She was also involved in the social settlements movement and women's suffrage. Despite facing personal tragedy with the death of her husband shortly after their wedding, Cooke continued her impactful ministry until her passing in 1938.
All images displayed on this page are sourced from Wikipedia or Wikimedia Commons.We use these images under their respective Creative Commons or public domain licenses. Wherever applicable, author attributions and license information are provided. If you believe an image is used incorrectly or outside its license terms, please contact us so that we can review and correct the issue.