Last Names

Surnames / C

Cobb

What is the origin of the last name Cobb?

English originPatronymic (from a parent or ancestor)Rank #514 in the US

Meaning and origin

The origin of the last name Cobb can be traced back to medieval England. Over time, the name Cobb evolved into a surname and spread in popularity across various regions, including Yorkshire, Kent, and Devon. Today, descendants of the name Cobb can be found worldwide, particularly in English-speaking countries.

The longer story

The last name Cobb is of English origin and has a long history dating back several centuries. Over time, the name evolved and began to be used as a surname for individuals and families.

The surname Cobb has several variations, including Cobbe, Cob, and Cobby, among others. These variations likely arose from regional dialects and regional spelling differences, which were common in earlier centuries. The different variations of the surname can be seen in historical records and documents, adding to the complexity and richness of the name's history.

Over time, some individuals with the name migrated to other regions and countries, including the United States.

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.

Similar spellings

#514

Cobb was the 514th most common surname in the 2010 US Census, with 65,125 people, about 22 in every 100,000.

Who carries it

  • White (non-Hispanic)70.0%
  • Hispanic or Latino2.0%
  • Black (non-Hispanic)24.8%
  • Asian or Pacific Islander0.4%
  • Two or more races2.1%
  • American Indian or Alaska Native0.6%

Where it is found

Countries linked to Cobb.

Surnames like Cobb

Names it is linked with, then names with the same origin and a similar standing.

Check the sources

For a name you are serious about, compare the dictionaries: Reaney and Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames; Hanks, Dictionary of American Family Names.