Pronunciation: [wˈɪlkɒks] (IPA) 
The spelling of Wilcox is quite straightforward. Using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), the first syllable is pronounced /wɪl/, with an "i" sound as in "will" and an "l" sound. The second syllable is pronounced /kɑks/, with a short "o" sound as in "cot," a hard "k" sound, and an "s" sound. So, the spelling consists of the combination of "wil" and "cox," with no silent letters or unusual letter combinations.
Wilcox is a surname with both English and Welsh origins. As a last name, it is derived from the combination of the Old English elements "wil" and "cock," which respectively mean "desire" and "rooster" or "capon." This suggests that the name originally denoted a person who was fond of or specialized in rearing and keeping poultry, particularly male chickens. In this context, "Wilcox" can be understood as a metonymic occupational surname.
Alternatively, the surname Wilcox may have Welsh roots, derived from the personal name "Gwilim," which is the Welsh form of "William." William originates from the Germanic elements "wil" meaning "will" or "desire," and "helm" meaning "helmet" or "protection." Therefore, when of Welsh origin, Wilcox signifies "son of Gwilim" or "son of William."
Over time, Wilcox has become a relatively common surname in English-speaking countries, particularly in England and Wales, where the name can be traced back to medieval times. Many individuals with the last name Wilcox have migrated to other parts of the world, which has contributed to its spread.
In modern usage, Wilcox primarily functions as a family name, indicating genealogical heritage and lineage. As with many last names, some individuals with the surname Wilcox may choose to explore the historical origins of their family name for a deeper understanding of their ancestral background.
The surname "Wilcox" has an English origin and is derived from the combination of two elements: "Wil-" and "cox".
The first element, "Wil-", is commonly associated with the name William, which has Germanic origins. It is derived from the Old High German name "Willahelm", composed of "wil", meaning "desire" or "will", and "helm", meaning "helmet" or "protection".
The second element, "cox", is derived from an occupational name. It originates from the Old English word "cocc", which means "cook" or "cookhouse attendant". Over time, this word evolved and was often used to refer to a person who held various jobs in the household, such as a servant or a steward.
Combining these two elements, "Wilcox" essentially means "William's cook" or "servant of William".
