The surname Cofer is of English origin, derived from the occupation of a cooper, who was a person who made and repaired wooden containers such as barrels and casks. The surname is an Anglicized form of the Old French word 'coupier', which meant 'maker of barrels'. It's also possible that the name originated from various place names in England bearing this name, including places like Coferley or Coford.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Cofer
The meaning and origin of the last name Cofer
The surname Cofer is an Anglo-Saxon name of English origin, derived from the Old English 'cofor,' which means "smith" or "coppersmith." The name was likely a nickname for someone who worked as a smith or was recognized by their skill in working with metal. Over time, the surname has been recorded under various spellings including Cohfer, Coofar, and Coover, reflecting the phonetic changes that occurred during the Middle Ages and early modern periods. The name is most prevalent in regions where the Anglo-Saxons had significant influence, such as England and its colonies, particularly in the United States.
Geographical distribution of the last name Cofer
The surname Cofer is predominantly found in the United States, with the highest concentrations in states such as North Carolina, West Virginia, and Kentucky. According to data from the 2010 U.S. Census, Cofer was ranked as one of the most common surnames in North Carolina, particularly in the counties of Wake, Mecklenburg, and Guilford. Outside of the United States, the name Cofer can also be found in countries with significant populations of American immigrants, such as Canada, Germany, and Australia. The origins of the name are believed to be of English origin, derived from a place name or an occupational name for a cooper, a person who made and repaired barrels, casks, and tubs.
Variants and spellings of the last name Cofer
The surname Cofer has several variations and spellings, mostly due to differences in transcription and regional pronunciation over time. Some common spelling variants include Cofield, Cofey, Cohoe, Coho, Cohea, Cohee, Cofery, and Coferree. These variations may appear with or without the "e" at the end, and with different phonetic interpretations of the initial syllable. The name is most likely of Old English origin, derived from the word "cofa," meaning "charcoal," although it could also have Norman origins from a place named Caufeu or Caufry in France.
Famous people with the last name Cofer
Notable individuals with the surname Cofer include:
1. Timothy Cofer - An American screenwriter and producer, known for his work on films such as "The Matrix" trilogy and "Minority Report." He has been nominated for multiple Academy Awards for Best Adapted Screenplay.
2. John Cofer - A retired American Major League Baseball pitcher who played for teams including the Cincinnati Reds, Atlanta Braves, and San Diego Padres during his career from 1967 to 1978.
3. Sarah Elizabeth Cofer - An American actress and voice actress who has provided voices for various video games and animated series, including "Ape Escape," "Sonic X," and "Transformers: Cybertron." She is also known for her roles in live-action television shows like "ER" and "Charmed."
4. Samuel Cofer - An American politician who served as a member of the North Carolina Senate from 1973 to 2005, representing the 17th district. During his tenure, he played an influential role in shaping state policy on education, healthcare, and environmental issues.
Genealogical research on the last name Cofer
The surname Cofer is believed to have originated from England and Wales, with variations such as Cofield, Coferd, Cofert, and Cofar also found. The name is thought to be a regional or occupational name for a cowherd, derived from Middle English 'cowe' meaning cow and 'herd' meaning herdsman.
One notable individual with the surname Cofer is John Thomas Cofer (1836-1907), who was an American Civil War general and Union hero in the Battle of Chickamauga. Another significant figure is James Cofer (1745-1826), a Virginia farmer who served as a captain during the Revolutionary War and was awarded a land grant for his service.
In terms of genealogical records, the earliest known Cofer ancestor in America, according to some sources, is John Cofer, who immigrated from Wales to Jamestown, Virginia, in 1620 on the ship Margaret and Ann. Ancestry.com provides a comprehensive database for researchers tracing their Cofer lineage.
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated :
Share the origin of your last name with your friends
The surname Coff Lopes is of Portuguese origin. "Coff" is likely a variation of the surname "Covas," which is a habitational name referring to someone from Covas, a place in Portug...
The surname Coffin is of English origin, derived from the Old English word "cofa" which means "coffin," and was used as an occupational name for a maker of coffins or a funeral dir...
The surname Coffman is of English origin and is derived from the Old English and Old Norse given names Kolfi or Kolvi, which were compounded with the Old English word "man," meanin...
The last name Cofino is of Sephardic Jewish origin, with roots in Spain. It is believed to have originated from the town of Cofiño in the province of Asturias. Sephardic Jews were...
The surname Cofre is believed to have origins in Spain. It derives from a medieval occupational name for someone who was a maker of chests or coffers, from the Latin word "coffra" ...
