Surname Coggin - Meaning and Origin

Coggin: What does the surname Coggin mean?

The surname Coggin is of English origin and is derived from the Old English term "cogg", which refers to a type of ship. This name was likely used originally as an occupational surname for someone who either built or sailed these types of ships. Alternatively, it could have been an ethnic or locale name for someone who lived near a dock or shipyard. Over time, the name evolved into various forms, including Coggin. Like many surnames, its exact origins are difficult to trace due to the lack of clear historical documentation and the many changes in spelling and pronunciation that occurred as it was passed down through generations. Despite the uncertainty of its origins, it is clear that the name carries with it a sense of heritage and connection to the maritime history of England.

Coggin: Where does the name Coggin come from?

The surname Coggin has roots in medieval England. It is derived from an old English name "Coggan," which meant "a worker or maker of cogs." A cog is part of a mechanical device used in different machinery, thus the name has occupational origins. Sometimes it was spelled differently like Coggen, Coggan, or Coggon. There are also derivations in Cornish where a family was named Cogan, residing in Cornwall before the Norman Conquest in 1066.

It's not as common today, but when found, it can mostly be traced to English-speaking countries like England and the United States. This is largely due to emigration over the past several centuries from the British Isles to North America and other English-colonized countries. The highest concentrations of people with the Coggin name are currently in North Carolina, Texas, and Georgia – and within the UK, it tends to be in the south of England. However, its overall global distribution is relatively sparsely spread out.

Variations of the surname Coggin

The surname Coggin has several variants and similar spellings which may have developed due to regional accents, literacy levels and misinterpretations over time. These include Coggins, Coggan, Coggon, Coggen, Cogan, Goggin, and Cogin.

The surname 'Coggin' is thought to possibly originate from the Gaelic surname Mac Ogain, which means 'young'. It could also derive from the Old Norse name 'Kugin', a personal name of endearment.

Variations of the surname may also have resulted from the differing ways in which names were phonetically transcribed by clerks and officials. Different branches of the family may have adopted different spellings, leading to the proliferation of variations.

In the United States, where the name became prevalent among Irish and English immigrants, the spelling may have further evolved, leading to more modern forms such as Koggin or Koggen. Also, there could be variations such as Coogan, Cogen, or Coggon based on phonetic spelling.

It is also feasible for there to exist variations that incorporate additional letters, like 's' or 'es', resulting in surnames like Coggins or Coggines. These may additionally indicate a paternal lineage ('son of Coggin').

Famous people with the name Coggin

• Phil Coggin: A former baseball pitcher in Major League Baseball who played briefly for the Los Angeles Dodgers during the 1960 season.
• Tami Coggin: An actress known for her role in the film The Two Jakes in 1990.
• Gracie Coggin: An actress who appeared in the movie Audrey Rose in 1977.
• Dennis Coggin: A creative director and marketing strategist, who has worked with several brands in his career.
• Mark Coggin: A film director and writer, known for his work on "The Secret Adventures of Mr. Grant".
• Charles T. Coggin: An American attorney who served as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa.
• Skip Coggin: A contestant in season 3 of "Survivor".
• Tom Coggin: A former football player for the Virginia Tech Hokies in the 1960s. Please note that although they share the same last name, there’s no indication that these individuals are related. Furthermore, not all of these people are widely recognized or could be considered 'famous' in the traditional sense.

Other surnames

Coggins