Bullock
What is the origin of the last name Bullock?
Meaning and origin
The last name Bullock has its origins in the Middle English word "bullok," meaning a young bull. As a surname, it emerged during the medieval period, likely bestowed upon individuals associated with cattle farming or those exhibiting characteristics symbolized by bulls, such as strength or determination. The name Bullock can be traced back to Old English and has been found in various regions of England, suggesting a widespread use and adaptation over time.
The longer story
The last name Bullock has a rich historical significance and an interesting etymology. Here are the facts about the name:
The surname Bullock is of English origin and is derived from the Middle English word "bullok," which means "a young bull." The name was originally a nickname for someone who displayed bovine characteristics or was associated with bulls in some way.
The name Bullock is an occupational surname, indicating that it was likely given to individuals engaged in the trade or business of working with bulls, such as a herdsman, a bull breeder, or a butcher.
Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.
#770
Bullock was the 770th most common surname in the 2010 US Census, with 44,740 people, about 15 in every 100,000.
Who carries it
Surnames like Bullock
Names it is linked with, then names with the same origin and a similar standing.
Check the sources
- Forebears: where Bullock is found around the world
- The Internet Surname Database: a second opinion on the origin
- US Census Bureau: the 2010 surname figures used here
For a name you are serious about, compare the dictionaries: Reaney and Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames; Hanks, Dictionary of American Family Names.