Surname Coho - Meaning and Origin
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Coho: What does the surname Coho mean?
The last name Coho is an anglicized version of the Gaelic name MacComhghaill or MacDhomhnaill, which mean 'son of Comghall' or 'son of Dónal'. Comghall and Dónal are old Gaelic personal names, likely derived from two elements; the Proto-Gaelic word 'deamhan' meaning 'demon or evil spirit', and 'gall' meaning 'strife or valour'.
The Coho surname is believed to have originated in the province of Connacht, in the western region of Ireland. Most likely, it was first borne by the clan of Ui Fiachra, the ancient tribal grouping who dominated this area, and who descend from the O'Flahertys.
The Coho surname was very rarely used among the Irish, however, they had a strong presence in Scotland beginning in the 16th and 17th centuries. There they were found in large numbers and the spelling was often changed to Cowie.
The founding of America provided a further opportunity for the Coho surname to gain prominence, with the appearance of a number of leading figures carrying the name in the 17th and 18th centuries. Famous Coho's from this time include William Coho, an artist credited with the design of the Great Seal of New York in 1778.
In the present day, the Coho surname can be found around the world in countries including India, South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, and America. It is associated with the qualities of strength and loyalty, and those who carry it wear it with pride.
Order DNA origin analysisCoho: Where does the name Coho come from?
The last name Coho is primarily found amongst people who descend from Spanish or Italian heritage, although it is also common among Filipino and Latin-American populations. The word itself is theorized to be a corruption of "Caballero," the Spanish word for "knight," making the surname likely harken from the time of the Spanish Reconquista in the Middle Ages.
In Spain, the surname Coho is particularly prevalent in the regions of Madrid, Asturias, and Zamora. In Italy, the name is most strongly associated with the Province of Lombardy, in particular the cities of Milan, Bergamo, and Brescia.
In the US, the Coho surname is observed in roughly equal parts among those of Spanish or Italian ancestry. Relatively speaking, it is commonly used in some areas on the West Coast, specifically California, New Mexico, and Arizona, as well as in South Florida and some parts of the Northeast.
In Canada, the name Coho is extremely rare, mostly limited to a couple of large cities such as Montreal and Toronto. It is primarily a product of immigration, with people from Spanish, Italian, and Latin American backgrounds having arrived in Canada from the 1950s onward.
The last name Coho is also fairly common in several Latin American countries, most notably Mexico and Chile, where immigration has been historically strong. In Latin America, the surname can often be found amongst people descended from Basque or Spanish ancestry.
Variations of the surname Coho
The surname Coho is a variant of two common surnames, Cough and Cohow, and can be spelled both with a single 'h' between the 'C' and the 'o', or with two 'h's.
Cough is a reasonably popular British surname, and is thought to have derived from the Gaelic element och, meaning 'youth'. In English it has two meanings; either derived from the old English word cof meaning 'hill', or it might be a nickname for somebody who was considered to be noisy or talkative as if they were 'coughing up the words'.
Cohow is an uncommon variant spelling originating as a phonetic spelling of the French Coutant. This surname derived from the Old French word counseillier, which evolved later into counsel and councillor. It was the occupational name for an adviser or consultant, and may have been used to describe someone who was well-regarded for their wisdom and knowledge.
Coho could also be a variant of Cohoon. It is an Americanized form of the German surname Kohne, or some variations thereof, which is derived from the German word 'Kuhn' meaning 'brave, bold'. This surname was probably given to an ancestor who displayed these qualities in some way, or to denote a hunter for hire.
In conclusion, there are several possible variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for Coho. Variants include Cough, Cohow, and Cohoon, and they all stem from two distinct sources; one from an occupational name and one from a nickname.
Famous people with the name Coho
- Sam Cor Cohodas, an American dancer/actor and former member of the Ailey II dance company.
- Sean Cohon, a former CFL quarterback.
- Professor Manit Coho, a Thai lecturer and expert on Thai culture and language.
- William G. Cohoe, an American air force officer and recipient of the Air Medal.
- David Coho, a Nigerian lawyer and former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
- Patricia Coho, a British American singer and songwriter.
- Gemma Coho, an Australian actress best known for her roles in The Brady Bunch and the feature film Evel Knievel.
- Maureen Coho Sims, an American Senator from South Carolina.
- Heidi Coho, an American Costume Designer for films such as Star Trek and The Addams Family Values.
- Ben Coho, an Argentine professional volleyball player.