Atcock History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Atcock

What does the name Atcock mean?

The name Atcock is from the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of the Britain and comes from a baptismal name which means Adam. 1 As the naming tradition grew in Europe baptismal names began to be introduced in many countries. Baptismal names were sometimes given in honor of Christian saints and other biblical figures. There are very few Christian countries in Europe that did not adopt surnames from these religious figures.

Early Origins of the Atcock family

The surname Atcock was first found in Lancashire where Adecok Kay was listed in the Assize Rolls for 1246. Later Richard Hadecoc was listed as a Freeman of Leicestershire in 1226 and Robert Adekok was found in the Subsidy Rolls for Worcestershire in 1275. In Staffordshire, John Atkoc was found there in the Subsidy Rolls of 1327. 2

A popular name in Yorkshire, the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 listed Robertus Adcok; Robertus Adkokson; and William Atcock as all holding lands there at that time. 1

Early History of the Atcock family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Atcock research. Another 53 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1226, 1246, 1311 and 1379 are included under the topic Early Atcock History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Atcock Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Atcock has been spelled many different ways, including Adcock, Adecok, Adcockson, Akokson, Hadecock, Hadicock, Adcok, Adecock, Atcock, Addicott and many more.

Early Notables of the Atcock family

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

Migration of the Atcock family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Atcocks to arrive in North America: John Adcock who settled in Charlestown in 1792; Thomas Adcock settled in Potomack, Maryland in 1729; William Adcock settled in Philadelphia in 1868.

Sources +

Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)