Ooker History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The ancient history of the name Ooker dates back to the days of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It was a name given to a person who because of their physical characteristics was known as a "rook," from the black-feathered bird of the same name, similar to a sparrow, but has a whitish area on its face. 1 In this case the surname refers to those individuals who have black hair or dark complexions. 2 3

Alternatively, the name could have been from the Middle English "atter oke, atte roke" meaning "at the oak." 4

Early Origins of the Ooker family

The surname Ooker was first found in Worcestershire where Robert Dellroc was recorded c. 1182. In Somerset, we found Peter de la Roke in the Assie Rolls for 1243 and later back in Worcestershire, Richard del Ak was recorded in 1275 and Richard atte Rok was listed in the Subsidy Rolls for 1327. Again in Worcestershire, we found Geoffrey atte Ock in 1296 and Geoffrey atter Ok in 1332. 4

Geoffrey le Roke, William le Ruk and Adam le Roc were both listed in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273. 2 A few years later during the rule of King Edward III (1312-1377), Richard le Rouke and Hugh le Rook were listed as holding lands in Somerset. 5

Early History of the Ooker family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ooker research. Another 165 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1606, 1622, 1623, 1624, 1650, 1662, 1665, 1672, 1673, 1685, 1688, 1691, 1704, 1709 and 1820 are included under the topic Early Ooker History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ooker 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 Ooker include Rook, Rooke, Rookes, Rooks, Roke and others.

Early Notables of the Ooker family

Distinguished members of the family include Admiral of the Fleet Sir George Rooke (1650-1709), an English naval commander, probably best known for capturing Gibraltar for the British in 1704. He was second son of Sir William Rooke (1624-1691) of St. Laurence, Canterbury, sheriff of Kent (1685-1688), and nephew of Lawrence Rooke [q. v.] In 1672 he was lieutenant of the London, flagship of Sir Edward Spragge, in the Battle of Solebay. In 1673 he was again with Spragge, as lieutenant of the Royal Prince...
Another 83 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Ooker Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Ooker 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 Ooker or a variant listed above: Daniel Rooke settled in Virginia in 1652; Samuel Rooke settled in Virginia in 1654; Samuel Rooke settled in Boston in 1712; Thomas Rooke settled in Virginia in 1650.

The Ooker 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: Efflorescent cornices dum micat sol
Motto Translation: Rooks will flourish while the sun shines.

Citations +

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)
Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
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.