Surname Coil - Meaning and Origin

Coil: What does the surname Coil mean?

The surname Coil is of Scottish origin and it's an anglicized form of the Gaelic name "Mac Giolla Chomhghaill" which means "son of the servant of St. Comgall". St. Comgall was an important Irish saint in the 6th and 7th centuries who founded the Monastery of Bangor. Coil could also refer to a variant of the surname Coyle, which is derived from the Irish name "Mac Coill" meaning "son of the wood". The name is suggestive of someone who lived or worked in a forest. Overall, the surname was most likely bestowed as a form of identification for individuals whose father was a follower of St. Comgall or someone living or working in a forest. It is also quite prevalent in the United States, Canada, and Scotland. Like many surnames, Coil may have different origins and meanings in different cultures and regions, but these are its most accepted origins.

Coil: Where does the name Coil come from?

The surname Coil is of Irish origin, originating from the Gaelic name "O'Coileain," which means "young, sleek, and agile." The variant "Coilean" is also associated with the word for puppies in Irish. However, it was later anglicized to Coil after the 17th century due to the English dominance in Ireland.

The initial bearers of the surname came from the south-western part of Ireland, particularly in County Cork and Kerry. They belonged to the ancient sept or family group who played an integral part in Irish society, involving themselves in tribal warfare and politics.

Like many Irish surnames, the name was spread to other parts of the world, particularly English-speaking countries, as a result of Irish diaspora due to devastating events like the Great Famine in the mid-19th century. Today, the surname Coil is most common in the United States, particularly in the states of Ohio and Indiana, reflecting a period of heavy Irish immigration to the region. It's also seen to a lesser extent in other English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Despite its origins, the name is relatively uncommon in Ireland itself today.

Variations of the surname Coil

The surname Coil is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Coilin, meaning "son of Coilin". Coilin is a diminutive of the name Coil, which means "chariot" in Gaelic. Variants of the surname Coil include Coyle, Coyl, Coyles, McCoil, and McColl. It is also related to other surnames of Gaelic origin such as MacColl, O'Coyle, MacCoyle, Koyle, and Coile. Some spellings may be affected by regional accents and the phonetic transcription of the name over time, leading to variations like Coil and Coel. It's important to note that different spelling doesn't necessarily indicate a different origin, as surnames often changed over time or were transcribed differently in different historical periods and regions. Some Coils can be descended from an entirely different Gaelic clan and not related to the Coils mentioned earlier. Sometimes, the surnames spellings even within the family can differ. With the migration of people across countries, the surname Coil might have been modified to blend into the local culture, leading to different spellings. In conclusion, while Coil and its variants seem to share a common Gaelic origin, each variant could have developed uniquely based on historical, regional, or individual family changes.

Famous people with the name Coil

• Jack Coil, former baseball player and real estate broker.
• Michael Coil, an American film and television producer.
• Adam Coil, a former American basketball player.
• Ginny Coil, a professional tennis player from Canada.
• William Coil, a British-born American actor and comedian.
• Traci Coil, a Christian singer-songwriter.
• Elizabeth Coil, a British artist and art professor.
• John Coil, an American illustrator and graphic designer.
• Pedro Coil, a professional poker player.
• Ralph Coil, a retired professional football player.
• Tim Coil, a British entrepreneur and business executive.
• Chuck Coil, an American rock musician.
• Anna Coil, a Swedish-born actress and author.
• Allen Coil, a Canadian politician.
• Bob Coil, a former American basketball coach.
• Bart Coil, an American actor, director, and producer.
• Preston Coil, an American jazz pianist and composer.
• Rob Coil, a retired Canadian football player.
• Grant Coil, an American NFL player.
• Eric Coil, a singer and YouTuber from the United Kingdom.

Other surnames

CoileCoinCoindreCoiteoir