Cooke

Cooke is a surname of English origin derived from the medieval occupation of a cook. The spelling with an -e is a common variant that has persisted in England and spread to Ireland and other English-speaking regions. Related forms include Cook and Coke.

The surname appears in English and Welsh records from the 13th century onward; the -e ending became established in various regions and was retained by different families for generations. Other early variants include Coocke, Coooke, and Cocke.

Distribution: In the present day, Cooke is found throughout the English-speaking world, with notable concentrations in England, Ireland, the United States, Canada, and Australia. Migration from the British Isles during the 18th–20th centuries contributed to its spread.

Geography: Places named Cooke include Cooke County in Texas and Cooke City in Montana in the United States. These names reflect the usage of the surname in local history and sometimes honor early settlers.

Notable people: A number of individuals bearing the surname have been prominent in politics, science, the arts, and sports, reflecting the name's long presence in public life. See also: Cook (surname); Coke (surname).