Noquet

This very unusual name is of French origin, but appears to have developed considerably from its original spelling of "Noquier" or "Nouchet", themselves variants of the original medieval "Noceur". The name is a descriptive nickname for a reveller, or fast liver, and given the great rarity of the name, this definition is probably correct. However, it is also possible that the original nameholder was a professional actor, who played the part of a "fast liver" in the travelling theatres of the late medieval period. The original nameholders into England were Huguenot refugees, and while the original spelling has been retained in most cases, the name can also be found as "Nocket", an Anglicization. Oddly enough, the first proven recording is that of Thomas Nocket, at St. Katherine by the Tower, London, on May 16th 1680. Huguenot recordings include: Francoise Noquet, christened at La Patente French Huguenot Church, Spitalfields, on October 7th 1705, and Absalom Noquet, at Threadneedle Street Huguenot Church, on December 20th 1772. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Abraham Noquet, which was dated September 11th 1703, marriage to Mary Aumonier, at St. Dunstan's Church, Stepney, London, during the reign of Queen Anne, known as "The Last Stuart Monarch", 1702 - 1714. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.