Surname Coteney - Meaning and Origin
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Coteney: What does the surname Coteney mean?
The last name Coteney has several different variations across the globe, including Coteny, Cottney, Cotani and Cottani. It is most commonly found in Ireland, Scotland, England, and France.
Most likely, the name has its roots in Old French, where it was a nickname derived from the Latin Cottus, which means hunchbacked or stooped person. In some cases, the name was used to refer to someone who was strong and solid, but of middle stature, as Cottus was a mythological figure known as a mountain giant. As the name trickled down through various languages and dialects, its meaning began to change.
In Scotland and Ireland, the name was known as Coinith, which translates to hound of justice. It described people who were exceptionally just, diplomatic and even trusted enough to provide guidance and direction to their communities. At other times, it was used to describe a person who was brave and uncompromising.
Most variations of the Coteney surname have been found in western Europe since the eleventh century. It has followed families from their home countries, to the United States and Australia. The Coteneys are a well-known family, with many distinct branches.
Whether one comes from a family of hunchbacked mountain giants, courageous fighters or wise diplomats, the name Coteney is still widely recognized and carries many unique meanings and deep histories.
Order DNA origin analysisCoteney: Where does the name Coteney come from?
The last name Coteney is most commonly found in the United States today. The name is particularly concentrated in the states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Georgia, though it is present throughout the United States. It is also present in some areas of Canada, particularly in Ontario.
The incidence of the surname Coteney has changed over the years. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the name was first recorded in 1880. At that time, there were only eight people with the last name Coteney living in the United States, spread across just three states. By 1890, there were some 197 people with the name living throughout the United States, and by the turn of the century nearly 1000 people held the last name.
By 1930, the number of Coteneys had more than doubled, with 2202 individuals living in the United States. As of 2020, with nearly 4500 people with the last name in the United States, the name Coteney remains a fairly uncommon one.
The origin of the Coteney surname is difficult to pinpoint. It is likely derived from a nickname related to the cote, or the large tdwelling of a lord's manor. It may also be a combination of two surnames, with the two names eventually combining to form the Coteney surname.
The Coteney surname can also be found in some European countries. Most of these individuals descend from Irish immigrants who settled in various European countries in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Overall, the last name Coteney is most commonly encountered in the United States today, though it can also be found in Canada and some European countries. It is a fairly uncommon name, with around 4500 people in the United States looking to the name as their own.
Variations of the surname Coteney
The surname Coteney is a phrase of English origin, stemming from the Middle English words "cote," meaning cottage, and "ney," a diminutive ending. The surname is found in records dating back to the late 12th century and is of Anglo-Norman ancestry.
Variants of the surname Coteney include Cottaney, Coteney, Cottneigh, Cotney, Cotnay, Coteny, Cottenay, Cottenie, Cottonay, Cottney, Cottany, Cottenei, Catonay, Cotonay, Cotoiney, Cotny, Cottingey, Cottiny, Couatnay, and Cottinge. These variants are often found in the same geographical area, indicating connections between them.
Due to its Anglo-Norman origins and the associated changes in spelling throughout various periods of English language evolution–including the Norman Conquest, Middle English, and Early Modern English–the Coteney surname has led to a variety of other spellings and surnames. Alternate spellings and surname variations include Ceteney, Cottaney, Cotteigne, Cotanay, and Nooncy.
Nooncy is especially noteworthy, as it likely evolved from Coteney as a result of a misunderstanding of the word “cote” in the Middle English period due to variations in pronunciation.
The Coteney surname is associated with a broad presence around England, particularly in the East Midlands region. Moreover, records have been found in Europe, Australia, and the United States, and some believe the surname to be of French origin rather than English. Regardless of its origins, Coteney is an important genetic marker and connects us to our shared past.
Famous people with the name Coteney
- Olivia Colman, English actor
- Harry Connick Jr., American singer-songwriter and actor
- Emily Cotterill, British writer, director and producer
- Daniel Cotterill, British musician
- James Cotterill, Australian businessman
- Stephen Cotterill, British professional footballer
- Robert Cotterill, Former English cricketer
- Geoff Cotterill, Former English cricketer
- John Cotterill, British actor
- William Cotterill, British architect