Sok first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Sok has been for the last 11 years (from 1982 to 1992) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Sok

A unisex name of Cambodian origin meaning "prosperous, comfortable, happy".

Popularity of Sok by gender

Based on the last 11 years of data, Sok is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 78% of people named Sok being male.

For the most recent data in 1992, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Sok.

Year Male Count Female Count
1992 5 0
1986 7 0
1985 10 0
1982 6 8

The history of the first name Sok

The name Sok originated from the Khmer language spoken in Cambodia, dating back to the early 9th century AD. It is derived from the Old Khmer word "sok," which means "to survive" or "to overcome." The name was initially given to children born during times of adversity or hardship, symbolizing the parents' hopes for their child to persevere and thrive.

In ancient Khmer inscriptions and stone carvings, the name Sok has been found etched alongside other traditional Khmer names. One notable historical reference is the mention of a ruler named Sok in the 11th-century Khmer inscription at the Preah Khan temple in Angkor, Cambodia.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Sok can be traced back to the Angkorian period (9th to 15th centuries AD) in Cambodia. During this era, several prominent figures bore the name, including Sok Kulak, a renowned architect and engineer who oversaw the construction of the iconic Angkor Wat temple complex in the early 12th century.

Throughout history, the name Sok has been carried by notable individuals across various fields. One such figure was Sok Yeun (1866-1936), a revered Cambodian Buddhist monk and scholar who played a crucial role in preserving Khmer literary traditions and promoting education during the French colonial period.

Another notable bearer of the name was Sok An (1933-2017), a Cambodian politician and diplomat who served as the Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia from 1998 to 2004. He was instrumental in the country's reconstruction efforts following the Khmer Rouge regime.

In the realm of sports, Sok Sopha (born 1977) is a Cambodian former professional boxer who held multiple regional and international titles, including the WBC International Super Flyweight and WBC International Flyweight championships.

Sok Sivanmony (born 1929) is a renowned Cambodian painter and sculptor, recognized for his contributions to the revival and preservation of traditional Khmer arts and culture after the devastation of the Khmer Rouge period.

While the name Sok has its roots in ancient Khmer culture, it has transcended geographical boundaries and continues to be used by individuals of various ethnicities and backgrounds, carrying the essence of resilience and perseverance.

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 Sok was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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"Sok first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on April 25, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/sok-meaning-and-history/.

"Sok first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/sok-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 25 April, 2025

Sok first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/sok-meaning-and-history/.

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