Hoak

Hoak is a surname of English origin. It is believed to be a variant of the Old English personal name "Hoc" or "Hōc," meaning hook. The name may have originally referred to someone who lived near a hook-shaped bend in a river or a hook-shaped piece of land. It could also have been a nickname for someone with a prominent nose.

Over time, the spelling of the surname evolved, with variations such as Hoak, Hook, and Hawke appearing in historical records. The name is relatively uncommon and is found in various English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Notable individuals who have borne the surname Hoak include American businessman and philanthropist William Hoak, who was instrumental in the development of early aviation in the United States. There are no widely recognized historical figures or prominent cultural references specifically tied to the surname Hoak that are distinct from its general surname origins. The distribution and usage of the surname suggest it is primarily a patronymic or locational surname without strong regional concentrations in the present day. Genealogical research indicates that families with the Hoak surname can trace their lineage back to various regions of England.