Origin & Meaning of the Cooks Surname
What does the last name Cooks mean?
The surname Cooks carries the meaning "Surname with roots in African American heritage." It is derived from the English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 6,157 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Cooks ranks as the #5,640 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Cooks come from?
The Cooks surname has its roots in African American heritage. Names of African American 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 Cooks name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Cooks trace back to 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 | Cooks |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Surname with roots in African American heritage |
| Origin | African American |
| Language | English |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,640 |
| US Count (2010) | 6,157 |
| Per 100K People | 2.09 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Cooks
According to the US Census, the Cooks surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 6,157 Americans with the Cooks last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 5.15% |
| Black | 88.79% |
| Hispanic | 2.23% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.1% |
| Native American | 0.28% |
| Two or More Races | 3.46% |
Popularity of Cooks Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Cooks surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Cooks surname increased by 631 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Cooks Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Cooks ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Cooks
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Cooks.
Other African American Surnames
Explore more surnames with African American roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same African American origin as Cooks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooks
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Cooks surname also look for: