Cockman

The surname "COCKMAN" originated in England during the late medieval period. It is believed to have derived from the Old English word "cocc," which referred to a rooster or cock. The name likely originated as a descriptive nickname for someone who kept or tended to roosters, or perhaps had a peculiar gait or mannerism that resembled a rooster.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Hundred Rolls of 1273, where a John Cockman is listed as residing in Oxfordshire. The Hundred Rolls were a census-like record compiled during the reign of King Edward I, providing valuable insight into the surnames and occupations of people living in England at the time.

During the 14th century, the name appears in various records from different counties across England. In 1379, a William Cockman is mentioned in the Poll Tax Returns for Yorkshire. The Poll Tax was a controversial tax imposed on every person above a certain age, and the returns provide a snapshot of the population and their occupations during that era.

The Cockman surname can also be found in the Court Rolls of the Manor of Wakefield in Yorkshire, dating back to the late 15th century. These rolls documented legal proceedings and transactions within the manor, providing valuable information about the lives and activities of its residents.

One notable individual bearing the Cockman surname was John Cockman, a merchant and alderman who lived in the city of Norwich in the late 16th century. He was born around 1540 and played a significant role in the city's affairs during his lifetime.

Another prominent figure was Robert Cockman, a wealthy landowner and justice of the peace who lived in Lincolnshire during the 17th century. He was born in 1612 and was known for his involvement in local governance and administration.

In the 18th century, the name appears in various parish records and local histories. For example, William Cockman, born in 1725, was a prominent farmer and landowner in the village of Stoke Goldington, Buckinghamshire.

The 19th century saw the Cockman surname spread across different parts of the British Isles. One notable individual was Sir John Cockman, a respected barrister and judge who served on the King's Bench Division of the High Court of Justice from 1872 until his death in 1895.

While the Cockman surname is relatively uncommon today, it has a rich history that can be traced back to medieval England and the descriptive nicknames used by the population at that time.