Meaning and origin
The last name Pollock traces its origins to Scotland, specifically to the region of East Lothian. Derived from the Gaelic surname "Pollag," which means "pool" or "pit," the name Pollock likely denoted individuals or families who resided near or in proximity to a pool or a small body of water. With a history dating back centuries, the name Pollock holds a rich genealogical and historical significance in Scottish heritage and beyond.
The longer story
The last name Pollock is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Old English personal name "Pollag" or "Pollok," meaning "Poloc's lake." The name is believed to have originated from a place named Pollok in Renfrewshire, Scotland.
Pollok, the place from which the surname Pollock is derived, is a historic estate located in the southwestern part of Glasgow, Scotland. The estate dates back to the medieval period and was once owned by the Pollok family, who held significant influence in the region.
The Pollock family can be traced back to the early 12th century in Scotland. The family played a significant role in local politics and were closely associated with the noble Stewart family.
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
#1,543
Pollock was the 1,543rd most common surname in the 2010 US Census, with 23,310 people, about 7.6 in every 100,000.
Who carries it
Surnames like Pollock
Names it is linked with, then names with the same origin and a similar standing.
Check the sources
- Forebears: where Pollock 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.