This is a surname of pre 10th century French origins. It is recorded in England in several spellings including Moak, Moakes, Mocke, Mockes, Mocker, Mocket, Mockett and Mokes, as well as the French forms of Mocquet, Moquin, and Moquard. It is, or rather was, in the 14th century, almost certainly a nickname surname for a person who according to the "Dictionnaire Etymologique" for France 'gave out!' Certainly the derivation is from the ancient French word 'moquer', and whilst the literal 20th century translation is 'mocker', the medieval meaning may have been different in context. Unfortunately without having actually been there when the name was 'pinned' on the original nameholders, it is very difficult seven hundred years later, to give absolute meanings. The word was probably introduced into England by the Normans after the 1066 Invasion. The first recording appears in the register known as the "Fines Roll" for King Edward 1st of England in the year 1283. This is in the name of William le Mokare, which almost suggests an official status. Other recordings of a later date include Mary Moukes, christened at St Johs Hackney, on August 20th 1609, Ralph Moakes, who married Jane Broughton at St Brides church, Fleet Street, London, on July 1st 1684, and in the same year William Mockett, was a witness at the famous church of St Dunstans in the East, Stepney, on December 9th.

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