Origin of Cookson Name The surname Cookson appears to be patronymical in origin and is believed to be associated with the English and Welsh meaning 'the cook's son.' Different spellings of the same original surname are a common occurrence. Dictionaries of surnames indicate probable spelling variations. The most prominent variations of Cookson are Cook, Cooks, Cooksen, Cooke, Coxon, and Cooksons. The Cookson coat of arms is officially documented in Burke's General Armory. The original description of the arms is as follows:'Vertically divided, silver and red, two legs side by side in armor severed at the thigh. Above the shield and helmet is the Crest which is described as a half lion.' Family mottos are believed to that originated as battle cries in medieval times. The motto recorded with the Cookson Coat of Arms is: 'NIL DESPERANDUM' (Never Despairing).