Surname Stoak - Meaning and Origin
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Stoak: What does the surname Stoak mean?
The last name Stoak appears to have an uncertain or unclear origin. It is not listed in common databases of surname meanings, which suggests it may be relatively rare or unique. It could potentially be a variant spelling of more commonly encountered surnames like Stoke or Stock, or it might also be of geographical origin, deriving from a place name. If it is of English or Germanic origin, 'Stoak' could possibly relate to the Old English 'stoc' meaning 'place' or 'outlying farm' or to the German 'Stock' meaning 'stick' or 'stump'. However, without further genealogical research or more specific information about the family history of those bearing the surname Stoak, it is impossible to ascertain a definitive meaning. As with many surnames, its meaning can also change based on regional dialects and historical language changes. It's always best to look into one's individual family history for the most accurate interpretation.
Order DNA origin analysisStoak: Where does the name Stoak come from?
The surname Stoak is most commonly found today in the United States, although it is also found in other countries around the world. It is believed to be of English origin and is primarily associated with the counties of Oxfordshire, Dorset, Berkshire, Devon, Derbyshire, Durham, Cornwall, Kent, Lancashire and West Wales in the UK.
In the US, Stoak is most commonly found in Pennsylvania and New York, particularly the counties of Monroe, Philadelphia, Montgomery, and other surrounding areas. Other states with larger numbers of Stoak families include Ohio, Virginia, Massachusetts, Illinois, Maryland, and New Jersey.
Someone with the surname Stoak is likely to be related to a former Commander-in-Chief of the United States Armed Forces, Paul Whitehurst Stoak, who served in World War II. Alternatively, you may be descended from the "trained bands" of soldiers who served under the authority of Henry VIII during the 16th century, or have ties to the Stoak family of Stearne, Devon, which held property in the parish of Newton St. Cyres as early as 1602.
Overall, although the surname Stoak is not overly common, the families who bear it are rich in history and come from a diverse range of geographic locations.
Variations of the surname Stoak
The surname Stoak has a variety of different spellings and surnames connected to it.
The most common variant of the surname is Stoke, which is the English version of the same name. This variant is particularly common in several English counties, such as Essex, Gloucestershire, Kent, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Staffordshire. In fact, Stoke is the second most popular surname in Norfolk.
The Stokey version of this surname is more frequently seen in Northern England, as well as Wales and Scotland.
It is also possible to come across the spelling Stok(e)s or Stocks, which is the Scandinavian variant of the name. This spelling is especially popular in the Lake District counties of Cumbria, Northumberland and Durham, as well as Derbyshire, Lancashire and Yorkshire.
Those with the Stoak surname can also find variants of the name under the spellings Stoake, Stoakes and also Stoak.
In addition, surnames with similar etymological origins, such as Stokes, Stooks and Stockes, can be found for the Stoak family.
Overall, the Stoak surname has a variety of distinctly different spellings and surnames of the same origin, catering to its widespread popularity across different regions of England, Wales, Scotland and Scandinavia.
Famous people with the name Stoak
- Tony Stoak: American professional baseball player
- Anni Stoak: German field hockey player
- Louis Stoak: German Olympic equestrian rider
- Joshua Stoak: British wildlife conservationist
- Laila Stoak: English painter
- Jeff Stoak: Canadian retired professional ice hockey player
- Charlotte Stoak: Danish competitive shooter
- John Stoak: American business consultant and entrepreneur
- Rachael Stoak: English radio presenter
- Matt Stoak: American country music singer-songwriter