Hancock is an English surname. It is derived from a given name, a variant of John (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".[1] 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".[2]

An Irish variation is Handcock, as borne by William Handcock, 1st Viscount Castlemaine.

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References edit

  1. ^ Dictionary of American Family Names (2013), s.v. "Cocke"
  2. ^ Dictionary of American Family Names (2013), s.v. "Hancock"