Show ContentsCockmane History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Anglo-Saxons of Britain first developed the name Cockmane. It was a name given to someone who was a servant to a cook. The surname Cockmane is derived from the Old English word cokman, which is comprised of the components coc, which means cook, and man, which means servant. 1

Another source claims the name was derived from 'Cockman, a cockfighter.' 2

Early Origins of the Cockmane family

The surname Cockmane was first found in Somerset, where William Cokeman was recorded in the Assize Rolls for 1276. A few years later, Reynballus Cokeman was listed in Cornwall in 1297 and in Colchester, John Cookman was recorded in 1374. 3

Again in Somerset, we found William Cokeinan listed there, 1 Edward III (during the first year of Edward III's reign.) 4

Early History of the Cockmane family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Cockmane research. Another 64 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1276, 1297, 1374, 1675, 1705, 1717, 1722, 1729, 1745, 1796 and 1800 are included under the topic Early Cockmane History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Cockmane Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Cockmane have been found, including Cookman, Cockman, Cokeman and others.

Early Notables of the Cockmane family

Notables of the family at this time include Reverend Dr Thomas Cockman, Doctor of Divinity (1675-1745), an Oxford academic and administrator. He was Master of University College...
Another 27 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Cockmane Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Cockmane family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Among the first immigrants of the name Cockmane, or a variant listed above to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were: Richard Cockman who sailed to Barbados in 1635; and R. Cookman sailed to Virginia in 1662.



  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  3. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  4. Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.


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