Locke Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Locke come from? What does the surname Locke mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Locke and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Locke Origin: What does the last name Locke mean?
The surname Locke, sometimes spelled Lock or Lok, has multiple origins and meanings. It can trace its roots back to Old English, where it was used as an occupational surname for locksmiths or lock keepers. It also has ties to Dutch, German, and English, serving as a toponym for individuals who resided near enclosures, barriers, or bridges that could be locked. Additionally, Locke can refer to someone with curly hair or be a romanization of the Chinese surname Luo. The Locke surname is associated with a Scottish clan, with variations like Loch, Lock, Lochlair, and Locklair.
YourRoots data indicates that the Locke surname first appeared in records from the United Kingdom in the early 13th century. Over time, the surname spread to the United States by the 17th century, showing a shift in geographical association. Today, the Locke surname remains prevalent in the United States, as well as in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland, highlighting its global presence across various regions and cultures.
Locke Last Name History: Where did the last name Locke come from?
Origin of Locke Surname: Where does the last name Locke originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Locke first appeared in records from the United Kingdom during the early 13th century. Please remember, this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Locke” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Locke: What does the Locke surname history look like in the early days?
The “Locke” surname remained closely associated with the United Kingdom from the 13th through the 16th century. However, by the 17th century, YourRoots data shows a significant presence of Locke family records in the United States, indicating a shift in geographical association over time.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Locke surname today?
By the 18th century, the volume of records with the Locke surname grew significantly in the United States and has continued to do so into the 19th and 20th centuries. The “Locke” surname remains prominent in the United States, but it also appears in a variety of other countries worldwide. The countries where the Locke surname is notably present include, but are not limited to, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland.
Explore Locke last name heritage and Locke surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Locke Surame?
Sondra Locke
Sondra Louise Locke (May 28, 1944 – November 3, 2018) was an American actress, director, and singer known for her work in films like "The Outlaw Josey Wales" and "Sudden Impact." She also wrote an autobiography titled "The Good, the Bad, and the Very Ugly: A Hollywood Journey." Locke often collaborated with actor Clint Eastwood and was nominated for an Academy Award for her debut performance in "The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter." Despite her success in Hollywood, she kept her true age a secret throughout her career and had a mysterious persona. Locke passed away at the age of 74 from cardiac arrest, leaving behind a legacy in the entertainment industry.
Joe Locke
Joseph William Locke (born Sep 24, 2003) is a Manx actor known for his lead role as Charlie Spring in the Netflix series Heartstopper. He also starred in Marvel's Agatha All Along and on Broadway in Sweeney Todd. Locke came out as gay at 15 and advocated for changing blood donation rules for gay men in Isle of Man.
Spencer Locke
Spencer Locke (September 20, 1991) is an American actress best known for her roles in popular TV shows and movies. She portrayed Kylie in "Cougar Town," Jenny Bennett in "Monster House," and K-Mart in the "Resident Evil" film series. Locke has also lent her voice to audiobooks and video games, showcasing her versatility in the entertainment industry. Besides her successful career, she enjoys a happy family life with her husband Chris Mason and their two children. Follow her on social media and catch her latest projects on IMDb.
Tembi Locke
Tembi Locke (born Tembekile “Tembi” Locke) is an American actress known for her roles as Dr. Grace Monroe in Syfy's Eureka and Dr. Diana Davis in Sliders. She has also appeared in popular TV shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Castle, and Friends. Locke is the author of the bestselling memoir From Scratch, which was adapted into a limited series by Netflix. Born to civil rights activist parents, she studied art history at Wesleyan University and lived in Italy before pursuing her acting career. Locke continues to captivate audiences with her diverse roles and inspiring personal story.
Alain LeRoy Locke
Alain LeRoy Locke (Sep 13, 1885 – Jun 9, 1954) was an influential American writer, philosopher, and educator. He was the first African American Rhodes Scholar and a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement celebrating African American art and literature. Locke's teachings on race relations and philosophy at Howard University paved the way for future generations. He encouraged African American artists to explore their history and culture in their work, leaving a lasting impact on the arts. Locke's legacy continues to inspire scholars and creatives today.
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.