Show ContentsCox History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Cox Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Etymology of Cox

What does the name Cox mean?

In Ireland, the name Cox is generally derived from the Gaelic "Mac an Choiligh," which means "son of the cock or rooster;" the name was often Anglicized as Cox.

Early Origins of the Cox family

The surname Cox was first found in County Roscommon (Irish: Ros Comáin) located in central Ireland in the province of Connacht, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the Cox family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Cox research. Another 87 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1558, 1650, 1675, 1733, 1770 and 1837 are included under the topic Early Cox History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Cox Spelling Variations

Scribes and church officials, lacking today's standardized spelling rules, recorded names by how they were pronounced. This imprecise guide often led to the misleading result of one person's name being recorded under several different spellings. Numerous spelling variations of the surname Cox are preserved in documents of the family history. The various spellings of the name that were found include MacQuilly, McQuilly, MacQuilley, McQuilly, MacQuillie, McQuillie, Quilley, Quilly, Quillie, Cox, Coxe and many more.

Early Notables of the Cox family

  • Sir Richard Cox (1650-1733), Governor of County Cork, and later, Lord Chancellor of Ireland...
  • Walter Cox (1770-1837) was a gunsmith and editor of a newspaper, who resided in New York...

Cox World Ranking

the United States, the name Cox is the 64th most popular surname with an estimated 273,570 people with that name. 1 However, in Canada, the name Cox is ranked the 296th most popular surname with an estimated 14,849 people with that name. 2 And in Newfoundland, Canada, the name Cox is the 203rd popular surname with an estimated 206 people with that name. 3 Australia ranks Cox as 73rd with 32,579 people. 4 New Zealand ranks Cox as 137th with 3,503 people. 5 The United Kingdom ranks Cox as 69th with 65,578 people. 6 Netherlands ranks Cox as 441st with 3,772 people. 7

Cox migration to the United States +

A massive wave of Irish immigrants hit North America during the 19th century. Although many early Irish immigrants made a carefully planned decision to leave left Ireland for the promise of free land, by the 1840s immigrants were fleeing a famine stricken land in desperation. The condition of Ireland during the Great Potato Famine of the late 1840s can be attributed to a rapidly expanding population and English imperial policies. Those Irish families that arrived in North America were essential to its rapid social, industrial, and economic development. Passenger and immigration lists have revealed a number of early Irish immigrants bearing the name Cox:

Cox Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Lasse Cox, who arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1627 9
  • Richard Cox, who arrived in Virginia in 1627 9
  • Jon Cox, who landed in Virginia in 1634 9
  • Miss Ann Cox, (1610 - 1638), who left England and arrived in Maryland in 1634 aboard the ship "Ark and Dove" married Thomas Greene 9
  • Jon Cox, who arrived in Virginia in 1637 9
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Cox Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Thomas Cox, who arrived in Virginia in 1702 9
  • James Cox, who landed in Virginia in 1703 9
  • Susanna Cox, who landed in Virginia in 1703 9
  • Justin Cox, who landed in Virginia in 1705 9
  • Tho Cox, who arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1712 9
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Cox Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • William Cox, who arrived in America in 1804 9
  • Thomas Cox, who arrived in New York, NY in 1805
  • Edward Cox, who landed in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1808 9
  • Edward L Cox, aged 26, who arrived in Massachusetts in 1812 9
  • James Cox, aged 46, who landed in Delaware in 1812 9
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Cox Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Mr. Jabez Cox, (b. 1872), aged 28, Cornish settler travelling aboard the ship "St Louis" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 29th April 1900 en route to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA 10
  • Mr. Samuel Cox, (b. 1865), aged 36, Cornish miner travelling aboard the ship "Majestic" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 25th September 1901 en route to Utah, USA 10
  • Mr. Edward John Cox, (b. 1858), aged 45, Cornish machinist travelling aboard the ship "Philadelphia" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 19th September 1903 en route to Pennsylvania, USA 10
  • Miss Katie Cox, (b. 1885), aged 19, Cornish settler travelling aboard the ship "St Louis" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 19th June 1904 en route to California, USA 10

Cox migration to Canada +

Cox Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • John Cox, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1749-1752
  • Thomas Cox, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1749
  • William Cox, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1749
  • William Cox, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1750
  • Eliza Cox, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1750
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Cox Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • James Cox, aged 20, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Prudence" in 1838
  • Catharine Cox, aged 18, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Prudence" in 1838
  • Patrick Cox, who died on route to Grosse Isle Quebec where his death was registered in 1847
  • Mr. Denis Cox, aged 2 who immigrated to Canada, arriving at the Grosse Isle Quarantine Station in Quebec aboard the ship "Saguenay" departing from the port of Cork, Ireland but died on Grosse Isle in August 1847 11
  • Mr. George Cox who immigrated to Canada, arriving at the Grosse Isle Quarantine Station in Quebec aboard the ship "Virginius" departing from the port of Liverpool, England but died on Grosse Isle in 1847 11
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Cox migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia included the First Fleet, Second Fleet and Third Fleet of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

First Fleet
  • Mr. Moses Cox, (d. 1792), British settler convicted in Warwickshire, England in 1788, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Scarborough" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 8
  • Mr. John Cox, (1751 - 1790), aged 38, British settler convicted in Devon, England in 1788, sentenced to 7 years for stealing clothes, transported aboard the ship "Neptune" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 9
  • Mr. William Cox, British settler convicted in Middlesex, England in 1788, sentenced to 14 years for theft, transported aboard the ship "Neptune, Scarborough or Surprize" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 9
Second Fleet
  • Mr. Francis Cox, (Cock), (1771 - 1849), aged 19, British settler convicted in Middlesex, England in 1789, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Salamander" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 9
  • Mr. John Cox, (d. 1791), British settler convicted in Middlesex, England in 1787, sentenced to 7 years for stealing lead, transported aboard the ship "Albermarle" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 9
  • Miss Mary Cox, (d. 1746), British settler convicted in London, England in 1790, sentenced to 7 years for stealing clothes, transported aboard the ship "Mary Ann" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 9
  • Mr. Robert Cox, British settler convicted in Middlesex, England in 1790, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Third Fleet" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 9
  • Mr. William Cox, British settler convicted in Wiltshire, England in 1790, sentenced to 7 years for stealing mules, transported aboard the ship "Third Fleet" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 9
Third Fleet
  • Mr. John Matthew Cox, (b. 1755), aged 32, English settler convicted in London on 7th July 1784, sentenced for life for theft, transported aboard the ship "Scarborough" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788 9
  • Mr. James Cox, (b. 1759), aged 29, English settler convicted in London, England on 24th May 1784, sentenced for life for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Charlotte" leaving on 13th May 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia on 22nd January 1788, he escaped 9
Following the First, Second and Third Fleets, other convicts and early settlers arriving in Australia include:

Cox Settlers in Australia in the 18th Century
Cox Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Cox migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Cox Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • G Cox, who landed in Auckland, New Zealand in 1814 aboard the ship Lady Nugent
  • Mr. G. Cox, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Lady Nugent" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on 17th March 1841 18
  • James Cox, aged 38, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Duchess of Argyle" in 1842
  • Ann Cox, aged 38, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Duchess of Argyle" in 1842
  • Robert Cox, aged 10, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Duchess of Argyle" in 1842
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Cox (post 1700) +

  • Brian Cox CBE (b. 1946), Scottish actor, teacher and director, winner of two Olivier Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award, nominated for numerous other awards, currently known for his leading role in Succession (2018-)
  • Archibald Cox (1912-2004), American politician, 31st United States Solicitor General (1961-1965), as Special Prosecutor he oversaw the federal criminal investigation into the Watergate burglary later known as the Watergate scandal
  • Dorothy Cox (b. 1917), American technician in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, first all-female, all-African-American battalion to server overseas
  • Daniel Cox Jr. (1943-2025), known as Sonny Cox, American folk singer and songwriter, best known for his LP album Feel So Good (1974)
  • Wesley Cox (1955-2024), American professional basketball player
  • Jerome Rockhold Cox Jr. (1925-2023), American computer pioneer, scientist, and entrepreneur, known for his work in biomedical computing, multimedia communications, and computer networking
  • Laverne Cox (b. 1972), American actress best known for Orange Is the New Black, nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award and Emmy Award, she won the Daytime Emmy Award in Outstanding Special Class Special. She was honored by GLAAD with its Stephen F. Kolzak Award for her work as an advocate for the transgender community
  • Landon "Sonny" Cox (1938-2020), American jazz alto saxophonist
  • Landon "Sonny" Cox (1938-2020), American jazz alto saxophonist
  • ... (Another 296 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Empress of Ireland
  • Mr. Samuel Alan Cox (d. 1914), British Writer from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 19
  • Miss Henrica Maria Cox (1884-1914), Canadian Third Class Passenger from Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 20
  • Miss. Monica Eileen Cox (1980-1996), aged 16, from Montoursville, Pennsylvania, USA, American student from Montoursville flying aboard Flight TWA 800 from J.F.K. Airport, New York to Leonardo da Vinci Airport, Rome when the plane crashed after takeoff ; she died in the crash 21
  • Mr. Richard N. Cox (d. 1902), American coal miner at Fraterville mine in Tennessee, on the 19th May 1902 when an explosion collapsed the mine; he died 22
  • Mrs. Florence  Cox (1875-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 23
  • ... (Another 32 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

The Cox 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: Fide et fortitudine
Motto Translation: By fidelity and fortitude.

Suggested Readings for the name Cox +

  • Ambrose N. Cox, Sr., Descendants, 1772-1972 by Elza B. Cox.
  • The Cox-Bates Family and Related Families by Ruby Cox Eddleman.
  1. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  2. "Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
  3. The order of Common Surnames in 1955 in Newfoundland retrieved on 20th October 2021 (retrieved from Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland by E.R. Seary corrected edition ISBN 0-7735-1782-0)
  4. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  5. "Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
  6. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  7. "Most Common Last Names in Netherlands." Forebears, https://forebears.io/netherlands/surnames
  8. Convict Records of Australia. Retrieved 4th February 2021 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships
  9. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  10. Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 3rd May 2018). Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_ellis_island_1892_on.pdf
  11. Charbonneau, André, and Doris Drolet-Dubé. A Register of Deceased Persons at Sea and on Grosse Île in 1847. The Minister of Canadian Heritage, 1997. ISBN: 0-660-198/1-1997E (p. 22)
  12. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 29th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/barwell
  13. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 2nd June 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/experiment
  14. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 1st March 2022). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/elizabeth
  15. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 27th September 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/fairlie
  16. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 16th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/baring
  17. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 16th July 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/dromedary
  18. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  19. Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 17) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
  20. Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 16) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
  21. The Washington Post Passenger List TWA Flight 800. (Retrieved 2018, February 15th). Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/twa800/list01.htm
  22. News paper article Fraterville Mine Disaster retrieved on 6th August 2021. Retrieved from http://www.tn.gov/tsla/exhibits/disasters/fraterville.htm
  23. Halifax Explosion Book of Remembrance | Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. (Retrieved 2014, June 23) . Retrieved from https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/what-see-do/halifax-explosion/halifax-explosion-book-remembrance

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