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Last Name Coille

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What is the origin of the last name Coille?

Last updated : 29 July 2025

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The surname Coille is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "coille," which means "wood" or "forest." This surname was often given to individuals who lived near a wooded area or had a profession related to fo…

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The meaning and origin of the last name Coille

The surname Coille is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "coille," which means "wood" or "forest." This name was often given to individuals who lived near a large wooded area or were associated with forestry work in Scotland. Over time, variations of the name such as Cole, Coll, and Coalson emerged due to differences in pronunciation, spelling, and transliteration. The surname Coille has been present in Scotland since at least the Middle Ages and is still a common Scottish surname today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Coille

The surname Coille is predominantly found in Scotland and Ireland, indicating its potential Celtic origins. In Scotland, it is most common in the Highland regions, particularly around Inverness-shire and Ross-shire, where it is sometimes anglicized as Cole or Collie. In Ireland, the name is more prevalent in County Donegal and County Mayo, suggesting a possible link to the Gaeltacht areas where Irish is still the primary language. Additionally, there have been migrations from Scotland to other parts of the British Isles and North America, leading to the spread of the Coille surname in places like England, Canada, and the United States. The name's geographical distribution thus reflects its roots in Celtic cultures, particularly those of the Highlands of Scotland and Ireland.

Variants and spellings of the last name Coille

The surname Coille possesses various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations include Coley, Coiley, Coile, Coyle, Colai, and Kiley. These changes may have occurred as a result of factors such as geographical location, historical period, and individual preference. Additionally, it is worth noting that the surname Coille may also be derived from the Gaelic name Ó Colmáin, which means "descendant of Colmán." This name was primarily used in Ireland and would have been anglicized over time, resulting in some of the aforementioned variations. Ultimately, all these forms represent derivatives of the original surname Coille or Ó Colmáin.

Famous people with the last name Coille

Notable individuals with the surname Coille include:

1. Mairi Coille (b. 1974), a Scottish folk musician and singer-songwriter who has released several albums and collaborated with various artists.
2. Alasdair Coille (b. 1968), a Scottish mathematician known for his work in probability theory, combinatorics, and statistics. He is a professor at the University of California, Berkeley.
3. David Coille (b. 1976), a Belgian racing driver who competed in various series such as the FIA GT Championship and the Le Mans Series.
4. Régis Coille (b. 1952), a French scientist and researcher in the field of computer vision, artificial intelligence, and pattern recognition. He is currently a senior research scientist at France's National Institute for Research in Computer Science and Control.
5. Gilles Coille (b. 1947), a Belgian politician who served as Minister of Defense, Minister of Pensions, and Member of the European Parliament between 1992 and 2008. He is also a member of the Christian Democratic and Flemish party.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields and are considered notable figures with the last name Coille.

Genealogical research on the last name Coille

The surname Coille, originating from Gaelic, is predominantly found among Scottish Highlanders. Historically, the name is derived from the word "coileach" meaning "ewe," reflecting an occupation or place-name reference. One notable bearer of this name was Sir Alexander Coille, a 16th-century Scottish landowner and sheriff of Caithness. The Coilles were also significant in the Clan Mackay, with one branch known as MacCoil. The spelling variants of the name include Coal, Col, Cole, Coel, Coill, Coille, Coll, and Cowell, due to variations in transcription and translation over time. As with many Scottish surnames, some families of this lineage emigrated to North America during the 18th and 19th centuries, spreading the name to countries such as the United States and Canada.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :

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 : 29 July 2025

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