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Last Name Cohee

What is the origin of the last name Cohee?

The last name "Cohee" is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic surname "Ó Comhthaigh," which means "descendant of Comhthach." The name "Comhthach" itself is derived from the word "comhthrom," which means "even," "equal," or "fair." Over time, the pronunciation and spelling of the name likely evolved into "Cohee."

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Cohee

The meaning and origin of the last name Cohee

The surname Cohee is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Comhaidh, meaning "son of the follower of St. Comhghall." The name Comhghall itself is composed of the elements "comh," meaning "together" or "with," and "gall," meaning "stranger" or "foreigner." The original meaning of the name suggests a person who was associated with the religious teachings or practices of St. Comhghall. Over time, the spelling of the name may have anglicized and transformed into variations such as Cohee. The Cohee surname has a strong link to Irish history and culture. It is likely that individuals carrying the Cohee surname can trace their ancestry back to the ancient Gaelic tribes of Ireland. As with many Irish surnames, Cohee may have been influenced by factors such as the anglicization of names during colonization or migration to English-speaking countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cohee

The last name Cohee has a relatively limited geographical distribution, with the majority of individuals bearing this surname found in the United States. Within the United States, the Cohee name appears to have the highest concentration in the states of Indiana, Ohio, and Maryland. These regions have likely been the ancestral homes of many Cohee families for generations. However, it is worth noting that the Cohee surname is not particularly common even in these areas. Outside of the United States, the Cohee name is less prevalent, but there may still be scattered individuals with this surname in other countries. The origins of the Cohee surname are not explicitly mentioned in available sources, making it difficult to determine if there is a specific connection to a particular ethnic or cultural background. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Cohee suggests its strongest ties to the United States, particularly in the states of Indiana, Ohio, and Maryland.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cohee

The last name Cohee has a few variations and spellings that have emerged over time. One variation is "Coe," which is the shortened form of the name. Another spelling variation is "Cohy," which alters the emphasis on the "h" sound at the end. Some individuals with this surname may also spell it as "Cohi" or "Cohie," which slightly modifies the "ee" ending to an "i" or "ie." Additionally, the name may appear as "Kohi" or "Kohie" in certain cases, with the "C" being replaced by a "K" sound. These variations and spellings may have originated from regional dialects, personal preference, or different branches of the family adopting altered forms of the name. Regardless of the specific spelling or variation, all these forms ultimately refer to individuals belonging to the Cohee family.

Famous people with the last name Cohee

Cohee is not a widely recognized last name in terms of famous individuals. It appears to be a relatively rare surname, with limited visibility in popular culture and public figures. Consequently, there are no prominent or well-known individuals with the last name Cohee that immediately come to mind. The scarcity of information and lack of notable figures associated with this surname can make it challenging to identify specific famous Cohees. It is possible that some individuals with this last name might have achieved personal success or made notable contributions in their respective fields, but such achievements likely fall outside the scope of widespread public recognition.

Genealogical research on the last name Cohee

The Cohee surname has an interesting genealogical history. It originated in Ireland, specifically in the province of Ulster. The name is derived from the Gaelic word "ÓCuidhin," which means "descendant of O'Cuidhin." The Cohee family can be traced back to the ancient Irish clan O'Cuidhin, who held prominence in County Cavan. In the early 18th century, many Cohees emigrated from Ireland to North America, particularly to the United States. They settled in various states, including Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. Over time, the Cohee family spread across the country, with descendants found in Ohio, Indiana, and Texas. Today, there are individuals bearing the Cohee name throughout the United States and beyond, with diverse branches of the family tree continuing to expand. Genealogical research on the Cohee name can assist in uncovering specific lineage and ancestral connections within this distinctive Irish surname.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
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 : 11 April 2025

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