Hancock (surname)
Hancock is an English surname. It is derived from a given name, a short form of the name "Johan" combined with the hypocoristic suffix "-cok" which came into fashion in the 13th century, from "cok" "cock", applied to "a young lad who strutted proudly like a cock". As a given name, "Hanecok" is recorded in the 13th century in the Hundred Rolls of Yorkshire. The Dictionary of American Family Names mentions an alternative Dutch etymology, from "hanecoc" "periwinkle". An Irish variation is Handcock, as borne by William Handcock, 1st Viscount Castlemaine.