Origin & Meaning of the Cox Surname
What does the last name Cox mean?
The surname Cox carries the meaning "From cock, a nickname for a proud or early-rising person." 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 261,231 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Cox ranks as the #78 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Cox come from?
The Cox 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 Cox name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Cox 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 | Cox |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From cock, a nickname for a proud or early-rising person |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #78 |
| US Count (2010) | 261,231 |
| Per 100K People | 88.56 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Cox
According to the US Census, the Cox surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 261,231 Americans with the Cox last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 82.62% |
| Black | 12.07% |
| Hispanic | 2.33% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.5% |
| Native American | 0.67% |
| Two or More Races | 1.82% |
Popularity of Cox Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Cox surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Cox surname increased by 7,460 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 Cox.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cox
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