Show ContentsCokhill History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The history of the Cokhill family goes back to the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. It is derived from the family living in Cockhill, in Yorkshire. It is from the place-name that the family name is derived.

Early Origins of the Cokhill family

The surname Cokhill was first found in North Yorkshire, at Cockhill (Cock Hill) where the earliest known bearer of the name was Ralph de Coghull, who was listed in the Assize Rolls of 1286. The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 list Elizabetha de Cokhill and Johannes de Cockhill. 1 There is another Cockhill in Somerset but this was the ancient home of the Carey family. 2

Early History of the Cokhill family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Cokhill research. Another 94 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1633, 1673, 1692 and 1738 are included under the topic Early Cokhill History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Cokhill Spelling Variations

Until quite recently, the English language has lacked a definite system of spelling rules. Consequently, Anglo-Saxon surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. Changes in Anglo-Saxon names were influenced by the evolution of the English language, as it incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other languages. Although Medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, so it is common to find one person referred to by several different spellings of his surname, even the most literate people varied the spelling of their own names. Variations of the name Cokhill include Coghill, Coggshill, Cockhill, Cogdill, Cogdell and others.

Early Notables of the Cokhill family

More information is included under the topic Early Cokhill Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Cokhill family to Ireland

Some of the Cokhill family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 71 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Cokhill family

Searching for a better life, many English families migrated to British colonies. Unfortunately, the majority of them traveled under extremely harsh conditions: overcrowding on the ships caused the majority of the immigrants to arrive diseased, famished, and destitute from the long journey across the ocean. For those families that arrived safely, modest prosperity was attainable, and many went on to make invaluable contributions to the development of the cultures of the new colonies. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Cokhill or a variant listed above: Mary Coghill, who settled in Virginia in 1684; George Coggshill, who settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1822; and D.J. Coghill, who arrived in San Francisco, California in 1851..



The Cokhill Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Non dormit qui custodit
Motto Translation: No sleep for those on guard.


  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. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.


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