The surname Coghlan is of Irish origin and is derived from a number of possible sources. One theory suggests that it is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name Mac Uisdealbhain, meaning "son of Usdealbhan," a personal name composed of the elements uisc, meaning "useful" or "helpful," and dealg, meaning "slim." Another theory proposes that the surname Coghlan is derived from the Norman French name Cochleas, which means "shell-like" or "snail-shaped." This surname was brought to Ireland by the Normans during their invasion in the 12th century and became anglicized as Coghlan. Yet another theory suggests that the surname Coghlan may have originated from a nickname for someone with curly hair, as the Irish word "cógan" means "curly." However, this theory is less widely accepted among genealogists and historians. Regardless of its exact origin, the surname Coghlan is most commonly found in counties Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, and Waterford in Ireland. It is also present in other parts of the English-speaking world, particularly in England, Scotland, and North America, due to migration and displacement over the centuries.
The surname Coghlan is an anglicized version of the Irish Gaelic name Ó Cobhthaigh, which means "descendant of Cobthach." Cobthach was a personal name derived from the Old Norse nickname Kollr, meaning "hollow" or "bowl-shaped," and thach, meaning "dwelling place." The Coghlan family originated in County Cork, Ireland, where they were chieftains of the Eoghanachta kingdom during medieval times. Over time, many members of the Coghlan family immigrated to other parts of Europe and North America, spreading the surname globally. The name is most common in Ireland, particularly in counties Cork, Dublin, Limerick, Kerry, and Clare. Variations of the surname include Coughlin, Caughlan, Coghlin, and others.
The surname Coghlan is predominantly found in Ireland, particularly in counties such as Tipperary, Waterford, and Kilkenny, suggesting its origins are likely in these regions. This Irish name is an anglicized version of the Gaelic "O'Coiglighain," which means descendant of Coiglighan. Over time, emigration from Ireland led to the dispersal of this surname globally. Notably, significant numbers of Coghlan descendants can be found in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and the UK, reflecting the historical migration patterns of Irish immigrants. The name is less common in other parts of the world, with a relatively low global distribution outside these predominantly English-speaking nations.
The surname Coghlan exhibits several variations and spellings due to transcribing errors and regional dialects over time. Some of these include:
* Coughlan, which is the most common variation and is often used interchangeably with Coghlan
* MacCoughlin, MacCoghlin, or McCoughlin, which indicate Irish patronymics where "Mac" translates to son of and "O" indicates a descendant of
* MacCaughley, MacCauley, or MacCaughey, which are English variations of the original Gaelic surname, but are less common than Coughlan/Coghlan
* Cauley, Cawley, or Cowley, which may be abbreviated versions of the Irish name but are more commonly found in England and other countries where the surname was brought by settlers
It's worth noting that the spelling of Irish names can vary even within the same family due to historical factors such as differing transcription practices and regional dialects. Coghlan/Coughlan is most common in Ireland, particularly in counties Cork and Kerry, but it has also been found in other parts of the world where Irish immigrants settled, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Notable individuals with the surname Coghlan include:
1. Michael Coghlan (born 1966), an Australian freelance photographer and Wikimedia Commons contributor, known for his work documenting various social movements.
2. Thomas Francis Coghlan (1855-1937), a British Army officer and recipient of the Victoria Cross during the Second Anglo-Afghan War in 1880.
3. John Coghlan (born 1947), an Irish musician, best known for being the original drummer of the hard rock band Status Quo from 1967 to 1981.
4. Liam Coghlan (born 1980), a British actor and writer, notable for his roles in television series such as "Vikings," "The Tudors," and "Da Vinci's Demons."
5. Mary Coghlan (1754-1793), an Irish rebel leader who participated in the United Irishmen movement during the Irish Rebellion of 1798, also known as the Rebellion of 1798.
The surname Coghlan originates from Ireland and is derived from the Gaelic "O'Coiglighan," meaning descendant of Coiglighan, a personal name composed of the elements "coig" (hound) and "lighean" (wheel). It was primarily found in counties Cork and Kerry. The most notable bearer of this name is Richard Coghlan, who served as Lord Mayor of Cork during the 16th century.
The family expanded across England and Scotland due to migration during the 18th and 19th centuries. In England, they primarily settled in the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire. The Scottish branch was prominent in Perthshire. The name also appears in North America, with the earliest recorded Coghlan immigration occurring in 1625 to Virginia. Notable descendants include John Coghlan, a British musician who played for the rock band Thin Lizzy.
The genealogy of the Coghlan family is rich and varied, with many branches tracing their roots back to Ireland. Researching one's Coghlan ancestry can lead to uncovering the history of this family across multiple countries, particularly focusing on their Irish origins, English and Scottish migrations, and eventual presence in North America.
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