Coughlan Surname Meaning & Origin
What the Coughlan last name means, where the surname began and where it was first recorded.
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Meaning and origin of the Coughlan last name
Meaning of the Coughlan last name: descendant of Cochlán ("cloak, hood"). Coughlan comes from Gaelic names built on Cochlán, a diminutive of cochall, "cloak, hood". Two distinct families bore it. The Mac Cochláin family were lords of Delvin Eathra, the Garrycastle area of west Offaly along the Shannon, while the Ó Cochláin family belonged to Cork, where the name is now most common, around Clonakilty and Skibbereen. Coughlin and Coghlan are frequent American and English spellings. The MacCoghlans held Delvin Eathra until the 17th century and built tower houses there, including Clonony Castle. Many Coughlans emigrated to the United States, England and Australia in the 19th century.
Our historical archives hold much more on the Coughlan name: dates, names and records of early bearers.
This overview covers the Coughlan name in Ireland. We also hold records of the name in other countries, such as the United States, England and Australia; your full pack is researched for your family's country of origin.
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Coughlan name FAQ
What does the Coughlan name mean?
Descendant of Cochlán ("cloak, hood"). Common variants include Coghlan, Coughlin, Coglan.
Where does the Coughlan surname come from?
It originates in Ireland, and is also found in the United States, England and Australia.
Is there a Coughlan coat of arms?
Arms were granted to individuals, not whole surnames, so there is no single Coughlan crest. Herald Lab paints a personalized Coughlan coat of arms based on historic heraldry.
Researched by Herald Lab Research Studio, since 1993. Sources: MacLysaght, The Surnames of Ireland; Dictionary of American Family Names (Oxford).