Contents [hide]

Hocking History Early Origins Early History Spelling Variations Early Notables Ranking

United States Canada Australia New Zealand

Contemporary Notables Historic Events Related Stories Motto Citations

Hocking History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The distinguished surname Hocking emerged among the industrious people of Flanders, which was an important trading partner and political ally of Britain during the Middle Ages. As a result of the frequent commercial intercourse between the Flemish and English nations, many Flemish migrants settled in Britain. In early times, people were known by only a single name. However, as the population grew and people traveled further afield, it became increasingly necessary to assume an additional name to differentiate between bearers of the same personal name. One of the most common classes of surname is the patronymic surname, which was usually derived from the first name of the person's father. Flemish surnames of this type are often characterized by the diminutive suffix -kin, which became very frequent in England during the 14th century. The surname Hocking is derived from Hocc, a pet form of the Old English personal name Hocca. This pet form is supplemented by the diminutive suffix -el. 1

Another source claims "the Hokings, according to Ferguson, were a Frisian people, and derived their name from one Hoce, mentioned in the poem of Beowulf." 2

And another source notes "Hawkins, Hockin, and Hocking are familiar Cornish variants of Hawkin." 3

Early Origins of the Hocking family

The surname Hocking was first found in Cornwall where the first record of the family was Robery Hokyn who was listed on the Ministers' Accounts of the Earldom of Cornwall in 1297. A few years later, John Hokyn was listed in the Subsidy Rolls of Suffolk in 1327. Many years later, Christopher Hockins and Abel Hockinge were listed on the Protestant Returns for Devon in 1642. 1

"There are two gentlemen's seats in the parish of [Lewannick, Cornwall], both of which are ancient; Trewanta Hall, the residence of William Hocken, Esq. and Treliske or Trelaske, the property and abode of Samuel Archer, Esq." 4

Early History of the Hocking family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hocking research. Another 108 words (8 lines of text) covering the year 1591 is included under the topic Early Hocking History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hocking Spelling Variations

Flemish surnames are characterized by a large number of spelling variations. One reason for this is that medieval English lacked definite spelling rules. The spellings of surnames were also influenced by the official court languages, which were French and Latin. Names were rarely spelled consistently in medieval times. Scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, rather than adhering to specific spelling rules, and people often had their names registered in several different forms throughout their lives. One of the greatest reasons for change is the linguistic uniqueness of the Flemish settlers in England, who spoke a language closely related to Dutch. The pronunciation and spelling of Flemish names were often altered to suit the tastes of English-speaking people. In many cases, the first, final, or middle syllables of surnames were eliminated. The name has been spelled Hocking, Hockin, Hockings, Hockins, Hokings and many more.

Early Notables of the Hocking family

Prominent in the family at this time was

Hocking of Devon

Hocking Ranking

In the United States, the name Hocking is the 10,757^th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 5 However, in Australia, the name Hocking is ranked the 508^th most popular surname with an estimated 7,492 people with that name. 6

Hocking migration to the United States +

A search of the immigration and passenger lists has shown a number of people bearing the name Hocking:

Hocking Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

James Hocking and his son arrived in New York in 1842
James Hocking, aged 8, who arrived in New York, NY in 1842 7
Mr. James Hocking, (b. 1806), aged 36, Cornish farmer departing from Penzance aboard the ship "Triton" arriving in the United States on 19 May 1842 8
Mr. James Hocking, (b. 1834), aged 8, Cornish settler departing from Penzance aboard the ship "Triton" arriving in the United States on 19 May 1842 8
John Hocking, who arrived in San Francisco, California in 1851 7
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Hocking Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Mr. Edward Hocking, (b. 1876), aged 24, Cornish miner from Penzance, Cornwall, UK travelling aboard the ship "Campania" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 21st January 1900 en route to Globe, Arizona, USA 9
Mr. John Hocking, (b. 1882), aged 18, Cornish miner from Penzance, Cornwall, UK travelling aboard the ship "Campania" arriving in Ellis Island, New York on 21st January 1900 en route to Globe, Arizona, USA 9
Mr. George Hocking, (b. 1880), aged 20, Cornish miner travelling aboard the ship "New York" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 11th February 1900 en route to Butte, Montana, USA 9
Mr. Thomas Hocking, (b. 1874), aged 26, Cornish miner from Camborne, Cornwall, UK travelling aboard the ship "Majestic" arriving in Ellis Island, New York on 20th September 1900 en route to Central City, Colorado, USA 9
Mr. Harry Hocking, (b. 1880), aged 22, Cornish miner from St. Austell, Cornwall, UK travelling aboard the ship "Oceanic" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 13th August 1902 en route to Michigan, USA 9
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Hocking migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Hocking Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Edward Hocking who settled in Canada in 1840-1900

Hocking migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Hocking Settlers in Australia in the 18th Century

Mr. Thomas Hocking, Cornish settler convicted in Cornwall, UK on 24th March 1787, sentenced for 7 years for stealing a cow, property of Edward Coade, transported aboard the ship "Neptune" on 19th January 1790 to New South Wales, Australia 10

Hocking Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. John Hocking (b. 1770), aged 60, Cornish settler convicted in Cornwall, UK on 12th January 1830, sentenced for life for stealing a goose from John Coryton Roberts, transported aboard the ship "Sir Charles Forbes" on 1st April 1830 to Van Diemen's Land, Tasmania, Australia 11
Mr. John Hocking, (b. 1770), aged 60 born in Mevagissey, Cornwall, UK convicted in Bodmin on 12th January 1830, sentenced for life for stealing a goose, transported aboard the ship "Sir Charles Forbes" in 1830 to Van Diemen's Land, Tasmania, Australia 12
Mr. Joseph Hocking, Cornish settler convicted in Cornwall, UK on 29th July 1837, sentenced for 7 years for obtaining clothing under false pretenses, transported aboard the ship "Emma Eugenia" on 2nd November 1837 to New South Wales, Australia 11
Mr. Joseph Hocking, English convict who was convicted in Cornwall, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Emma Eugenia" on 2nd November 1837, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 13
Mary Hocking, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Eden" in 1838 14
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Hocking 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:

Hocking Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Mr. Hocking, British settler travelling from London, UK aboard the ship "Bank of England" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 28th December 1855 15
Mrs. Hocking, British settler travelling from London, UK with son aboard the ship "Bank of England" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 28th December 1855 15
Nathanial Hocking, aged 21, who arrived in Lyttelton, New Zealand aboard the ship "Accrington" in 1863 15
Emily Hocking, aged 16, who arrived in Lyttelton, New Zealand aboard the ship "Accrington" in 1863 15
Miss Emily Hocking, (b. 1847), aged 16, Cornish domestic servant departing on 18th June 1863 aboard the ship "Accrington" arriving in Lyttelton, Canterbury, New Zealand on 5th September 1863 16
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Hocking (post 1700) +

Dennis Lee "Denny" Hocking (b. 1970), American former Major League Baseball utility player
William Ernest Hocking (1873-1966), American philosopher
T. C. Hocking, American Republican politician, Alternate Delegate to Republican National Convention from California, 1912 17
S. B. Hocking, American Democratic Party politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from North Dakota, 1944 (alternate), 1960 17
Joseph Hocking, American Republican politician, Presidential Elector for Montana, 1972 17
John R. Hocking, American politician, Representative from Michigan 11th District, 1994 17
Silas Kitto Hocking (1850-1935), English novelist and Methodist preacher from Cornwall
Justin Hocking (b. 1974), Canadian retired professional NHL ice hockey defenceman
Belinda Jane Hocking (b. 1990), Australian two-time bronze medalist backstroke swimmer
Gary Stuart Hocking (1937-1962), Grand Prix motorcycle road racing world champion from Rhodesia
... (Another 4 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Hocking family +

HMS Prince of Wales

Mr. Harry Hocking, British Marine, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 18

HMS Royal Oak

John Roberts Hocking (d. 1939), British Stoker 2nd Class with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking 19

RMS Titanic

Mrs. Elizabeth "Eliza" Hocking, (née Neads), aged 54, English Second Class passenger from Penzance, Cornwall who sailed aboard the RMS Titanic and survived the sinking escaping on life boat 4 20
Mr. Richard George Hocking (d. 1912), aged 23, American Second Class passenger from Akron, Ohio who sailed aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking 20
Miss Ellen "Nellie" Hocking, aged 20, English Second Class passenger from Penzance, Cornwall who sailed aboard the RMS Titanic and survived the sinking escaping on life boat 4 20
Mr. Samuel James Metcalfe Hocking (d. 1912), aged 36, English Second Class passenger from Devonport, Devon who sailed aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking 20

The Hocking 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: Hoc in loco Deas rupes
Motto Translation: Here God is a rock.

Citations +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Hutchins, Fortescue, The History of Cornwall, from the Earliest Records and Traditions to the Present Time. London: William Penaluna, 1824. Print
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
"Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
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)
Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 2018, April 30). Emigrants to New York 1820 - 1891 [PDF]. Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_new_york_1820_1891.pdf
Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 3rd May 2018). Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_ellis_island_1892_on.pdf
Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 30th May 2018). Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_australia_convicts.pdf
Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 30th May 2018). Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_australia_convicts.pdf
Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 30th May 2018). Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/tasmanian_convicts_cornish.pdf
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 29th March 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/emma-eugenia
State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) EDEN 1838. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1838Eden.htm
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 2018, April 30). Emigrants to Lyttelton 1858-84 [PDF]. Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/new_zealand_assisted.pdf
The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, October 9) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html
HMS Prince of Wales Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listprincecrew.html
Ships hit by U-boats crew list HMS Royal Oak (08) - (Retrieved 2018 February, 9th) - retrieved from https://uboat.net/allies/merchants/crews/ship68.html
Titanic Passenger List - Titanic Facts. (Retrieved 2016, July 13) . Retrieved from http://www.titanicfacts.net/titanic-passenger-list.html