surname research?

Question

where can I find the origin and meaning of my family names Dozier and Coker? There must be a website or some source of information.

Answer 1

Hey Deb Dozier,

Genforum is a great place to look for surname information. The forum has a section for each surname. There you talk to distant cousins, etc. about the surname, ancestors and basic genealogy.

There are forums already defined for both Dozier and Coker, site information is below.

The Family Search is also a great place, you wil find numerious entries for both names there, maybe pedigree and GEDCOM files.

There are hundreds of other sites, you may try Ellis Island, it is free. You have to register, but will find names, ages, dates, manifest, ship pictures, other passengers with them.

With either of the Software packages shown (and there are more of them too), you can tie into existing databases, and get family branches to tie into your own tree.

Best of luck.

Answer 2

Coker
Amongst all the many interesting surnames 'Cocker' deserves to be in the forefront. There are two possible origins, the first and most romantic,
originates in the period of the Olde English in the 5th century a.d., and derives from the word 'cocc', a word used in many contexts, but one
which originally described 'a son'. However such was the importance given to the male heir, that the word was also used to describe a 'fighter or
warrior', the implication being that the son would hardly be anything else but a blood thirsty hooligan, who would defend the family's so-called
honour. As however it became clear that not all sons were hell-bent on such a lifestyle, the word became applied to a professional warrior, even a
prize fighter, one who fought less for honour and more for money. The second origin is more pragmatic, and describes a maker of hay ricks and
stacks, (originally known as 'cocks') an important occupation in medieval times, when survival over winter relied upon the preservation of winter
feed for the animals, before the days of barns. Certainly the name is one of the earliest recorded Geoffrey Cockere being recorded in Berkshire in
1237, whilst Adam Le Kokkere is recorded in Staffordshire in 1327. Later recordings include James Cocker at St Giles Cripplegate, London,
on December 29th 1583, William Cocker at Manchester Cathedral on May 3rd 1584, and Johes Cocker of Howden, East Yorkshire on October
27th 1582. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of
Henri Cockere, which was dated
1198, in the Pipe Rolls of the County of Kent, during the reign of
King Richard 1

Answer 3

ancestry.com, genealogy.com. ancestry has a fee but you can go to your local Mormon church. (they also run the ancestry website). you can get copies of census records when they become available. (they are made public 72 years after they are taken). you can also get copies of things like military records, marriage certs, birth and death records.

they keep track of everything. they can order whatever records you need from salt lake city for a small fee. usually about $2 or $5. they have family resource rooms just for the purpose of doing research.

most cities also have genealogy clubs. they are a great resource since they have members that do nothing but help people trace their family roots. some do charge a fee but its well worth it because they will also provide you with documentation and proof. that comes in handy since lots of people claim to be related to someone famous but have no proof.

be prepared, because once you start finding things you can't stop. it is lots of fun to do.

I have been doing my family tree for about 6 years now and have been able to go back 16 generations (with paperwork and proof)

if you need any help or have any other questions email me.

Answer 4

mormon(church of jesus christ) website