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 director. Alternatively, it could have been a topographic name for someone who lived near a coffin-shaped hill. In some cases, it may also be a nickname for someone considered to be morose or melancholic, with the implication that they were always "coffined up" in their own gloom.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Coffin
The meaning and origin of the last name Coffin
The surname Coffin is an occupational name derived from the Old French "coffre" meaning 'box' or 'case'. It was initially used as a nickname for someone who made wooden coffins or boxes, or perhaps a metonymic occupational name for a maker of chests or boxes. Alternatively, it could have been a topographic name for someone who lived near a box-like structure, such as a watchtower. The name is most common in England and was brought to North America by English settlers, particularly in New England where the surname is still prevalent today.
Geographical distribution of the last name Coffin
The surname Coffin is predominantly distributed across several regions in North America and Europe. In the United States, it's most commonly found along the Eastern seaboard, particularly in Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, where it is one of the top 2,000 surnames. In England, it is concentrated in areas such as Cornwall, Somerset, and Norfolk, with a notable presence in London as well. The name also appears in Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and other parts of Europe, indicating its historical roots. Additionally, some families with the Coffin surname can be traced back to the Channel Islands, suggesting Norman ancestry. These geographical distributions reflect the historical migration patterns of people bearing this surname over centuries.
Variants and spellings of the last name Coffin
The surname Coffin has multiple variations and spellings due to historical transcription errors, regional dialects, and family preference. Some common versions include: Coffyn, Coffynn, Coffeen, Coffein, Cofyn, Koffin, and Cofin. In some cases, the name may also appear as Coffey or Coffee due to phonetic changes over time. Additionally, there are various hyphenated forms such as Coffing, Coffey-Coffin, and Coffeen-Coffin. The original Norman French form of this surname is likely Coeffin, which translates to "maker of coffins."
Famous people with the last name Coffin
Notable individuals with the surname Coffin include:
1. Josiah Coffin (1768-1830), an American merchant and philanthropist who played a significant role in the early industrialization of Lowell, Massachusetts.
2. George Henry Evans Coffin (1859-1940), an American artist known for his landscapes, portraits, and still lifes.
3. Edwin Arlington Robinson (1869-1935), a Pulitzer Prize-winning American poet who was born into the Coffin family but is more commonly recognized by his middle name.
4. Robert Coffin (1924-1994), an American mathematician and computer scientist who made contributions to the field of linear algebra, particularly in matrix theory and eigenvalue problems.
5. John Coffin (born 1936), an American molecular biologist known for his research on mycobacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium leprae.
Genealogical research on the last name Coffin
The surname Coffin originates from Old English and Old Norse roots, with the former's "coffin" meaning "coffer," and the latter's "kaupamar" meaning "merchant." By the late Middle Ages, the name had become common in England and was later brought to North America by early settlers. One notable lineage is traced back to John Coffin, who arrived in Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1635. His descendants include several prominent figures such as General David Coffin (Revolutionary War), Josiah Coffin (mayor of Salem), and Admiral Robert W. Coffin. The Coffin family is also connected with the famous Salem witch trials through the accusation of Mary Coffin during the hysteria in 1692. Today, the name remains common primarily in North America.
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