The surname Coran, also spelled as Corran, has multiple origins depending on the geographical region. Here are some possible origins:
1. Irish: It is derived from the Gaelic "Ó Corrain" which means 'descendant of Corra'. Corra was a personal name, possibly derived from the word 'corr', meaning a spear. This surname is found predominantly in County Mayo and County Galway.
2. Scottish: It may be a variant of the Scottish name Corran or Corrin, which are topographical names for someone who lived by a narrow strip of land between two lochs or bodies of water.
3. English: Coran could also be a short form of the English surname Cornelius, derived from the Latin Cornelius, meaning horn or club-shaped.
4. Jewish (Ashkenazic): This surname may have originated as a variation of the Yiddish personal name Korn, meaning 'grain'. It could also be a shortened form of German names containing Korn, such as Kornblatt, Kornweitz, or Kornberger.
5. Arabic: Coran is the Arabic word for Quran, the holy book of Islam. However, this usage as a surname is more likely to be found among converts to Islam rather than in Islamic countries themselves, where it is more common for individuals to take an Islamic name rather than maintain their original family names.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Coran
The meaning and origin of the last name Coran
The surname Coran is primarily of Irish origin, derived from various Gaelic names that mean "charioteer" or "raven." One of these names is "Ó Corráin," which translates to "descendant of Corran," where Corran is a personal name meaning "charioteer." Another source suggests that the name could be derived from the Irish word "corr," meaning "raven," and "an" indicating "son of." Over time, the spelling variations like Corrigan, Corrin, or Corann emerged due to anglicization during English colonization in Ireland. The surname Coran is now common among people of Irish descent worldwide.
Geographical distribution of the last name Coran
The surname Coran is predominantly found in Ireland and Scotland, with significant concentrations in both countries. In Ireland, it's most common in counties like Mayo, Sligo, Donegal, and Cork, reflecting the historical influence of Gaelic culture. In Scotland, regions such as Strathclyde and Fife show high frequencies of this surname. The name is also found in smaller numbers in England, Wales, and North America, particularly among Irish and Scottish diaspora communities, suggesting migrations over time. It's interesting to note that the name Coran can be a variant of more common Irish and Scottish names like O'Corry and Corrigan.
Variants and spellings of the last name Coran
The surname Coran has several variations and spellings. They include:
1. Coran: This is the most common spelling of the name. It's an Anglicized form of Irish names like Ó Corráin, Ó Corrain, Ó Corrán, or MacCorran, which are derived from words meaning "descendant of Corrán" or "hound."
2. Corrin: This is a variant of the name Coran. It may also be an Anglicized form of Irish names such as Ó Córain, Ó Cóirín, or MacCorrín, which are derived from words meaning "descendant of Corrán" or "little hound."
3. Corran: This is another variation of the name Coran. It could also be an Anglicized form of Scottish Gaelic names like MacCormaig, MacGormlie, or MacCorquodale, which are derived from words meaning "son of the bright-headed one" or "descendant of Corcu-dala."
4. Corrann: This is a less common variant of the name Coran. It may also be an Anglicized form of Irish names such as Ó Corráin, Ó Corrain, or Ó Corrán, which are derived from words meaning "descendant of Corrán" or "hound."
5. Corranes: This is a rare variant of the name Coran. It may also be an Anglicized form of Irish names such as MacCorrain or MacCormac, which are derived from words meaning "son of Corrán" or "son of the hound-like warrior."
6. Corrins: This is a variant of the name Coran. It may also be an Anglicized form of Irish names such as Ó Córain, Ó Cóirín, or MacCorrín, which are derived from words meaning "descendant of Corrán" or "little hound."
7. Corryn: This is a less common variant of the name Coran. It may also be an Anglicized form of Irish names such as Ó Córain, Ó Cóirín, or MacCorrín, which are derived from words meaning "descendant of Corrán" or "little hound."
Famous people with the last name Coran
The Coran family has produced several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most prominent is Samuel Coran, an American physician and medical researcher who made significant contributions to the field of cardiology. He was a pioneer in the development of intravenous drug delivery systems and received numerous awards for his work.
In the realm of entertainment, there's Corin Nemec, an American actor known for his roles in television shows such as "Parker Lewis Can't Lose" and "Stargate SG-1". In literature, there's Brian Coran, a bestselling author who has published numerous works under the pseudonym Brian Freeman.
On the political front, William J. Corcoran served as the Mayor of Chicago from 1855 to 1856 and later as U.S. Treasurer during President Rutherford B. Hayes' administration. He was instrumental in modernizing Chicago's infrastructure during his tenure as mayor.
These individuals, among others, have left lasting impacts in their respective fields, reflecting the Coran family's diverse contributions to society.
Genealogical research on the last name Coran
The surname Coran is primarily of Irish origin, derived from various places named Corran in Ireland, such as Corranmore in County Mayo and Corranabbey in County Limerick. It is also associated with the Norman family de Corbyn or Corban who arrived in Ireland during the Anglo-Norman invasion in the 12th century. The name's variant, O'Corrain, is an Irish Gaelic sept that belonged to the Uí Fiachrach Moinmhara, a branch of the Connachta kingdom. Notable individuals with the Coran surname include Sir John Cornewall Coran, a British Army officer who was awarded the Victoria Cross, and James Joseph Coran, an American lawyer, judge, and politician. The distribution of the Coran name is primarily concentrated in Ireland, with significant populations in Counties Mayo, Galway, and Limerick, as well as in the United States, particularly in New York and Pennsylvania, where many Irish immigrants settled during the 19th century.
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