Find out how popular the first name Dock has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Dock by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Dock is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Dock.

The history of the first name Dock

The name Dock is an English name with origins that can be traced back to the 15th century. It is believed to have derived from the Old English word "docce," which referred to a plant or herb commonly known as the "dock plant." This connection suggests that the name may have initially been used as a nickname or descriptive term for someone who lived near or had an association with these plants.

In the early days, the name Dock was primarily used as a surname, but over time, it transitioned into being used as a given name as well. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Dock as a first name can be found in the parish records of St. Mary's Church in Norfolk, England, where a man named Dock Wilkins was baptized in 1587.

Throughout history, the name Dock has been associated with several notable individuals. One of the earliest was Dock Prentis (1701-1768), an English clergyman and author who served as the rector of Chalton and Clanfield in Hampshire. Another famous bearer of the name was Dock Philips (1766-1838), an American frontiersman and explorer who gained recognition for his role in the settlement of the Ohio Valley region.

In the 19th century, Dock Mitchell (1829-1900) was a prominent figure in the American Civil War. He served as a Union Army officer and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery during the Battle of Stones River in 1862. Another notable individual from this period was Dock Ewing (1854-1922), a lawyer and politician who served as the Governor of Illinois from 1917 to 1921.

In more recent times, Dock Redcross (1920-2003) was a respected Native American artist and educator from the Paiute tribe. He was known for his intricate beadwork and played a significant role in preserving and promoting the cultural traditions of his people.

While the name Dock may not be as common today as it once was, it holds a rich history and has been borne by individuals from various walks of life, each leaving their mark on society in their own unique way.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Dock was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Dock, please contact us.

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