Origin & Meaning of the Cook Surname
What does the last name Cook mean?
The surname Cook carries the meaning "Occupational name for a cook or seller of cooked food." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 302,589 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Cook ranks as the #65 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Cook come from?
The Cook surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Cook name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Cook trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Cook |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Occupational name for a cook or seller of cooked food |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #65 |
| US Count (2010) | 302,589 |
| Per 100K People | 102.58 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Cook
According to the US Census, the Cook surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 302,589 Americans with the Cook last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 81.8% |
| Black | 12.55% |
| Hispanic | 2.17% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.57% |
| Native American | 0.92% |
| Two or More Races | 1.98% |
Popularity of Cook Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Cook surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Cook surname increased by 7,794 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Cook.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cook
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