Wolcott

Wolcott is a surname of English origin that was derived from a place name meaning "wolf's cottage" or "wolf's hill." It can also be used as a given name. The first recorded instance of the name dates back to the 13th century in Norfolk, England. The etymology of Wolcott suggests that it might have been used to describe someone who resided near a cottage inhabited by wolves or near a hill that was known to be a habitat for wolves. The name has several variations, including Wolcote, Wolcaut, and Wolcottson.

During the Middle Ages, surnames were often derived from the occupation or location of an individual. In this case, Wolcott likely referred to a person living in a small cottage or hillside dwelling associated with wolves or a place where wolves were hunted. In addition, the name might have originated as a nickname for someone possessing wolf-like qualities such as strength, agility, or ferocity. The surname Wolcott gradually spread across England and has since become relatively uncommon.

In the 17th century, the Wolcott surname migrated to the New World, specifically America. Henry Wolcott was one of the early settlers, arriving in Connecticut in 1630. His descendants played significant roles in American history, with Oliver Wolcott Sr. signing the United States Declaration of Independence and his son, Oliver Wolcott Jr., serving as the Secretary of the Treasury under President George Washington. The Wolcott name continues to be present in the United States and is associated with various fields, including politics, law, and academia.