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Surname Coan - Meaning and Origin

all surnames with 'C'

Coan: What does the surname Coan mean?

The last name Coan is of Gaelic origin, originating from Ireland, specifically derived from the Gaelic name O'Comhdhain. The prefix "O'" in Gaelic names often translates to "descendant of". Therefore, individuals with the Coan surname are believed to be descendants of Comhdhain. The exact meaning of Comhdhain is not clearly defined, but it is associated with "helpful" or "capable". Over time, variations of the name, such as Coen, Cohan, or Cowan, have appeared due to regional dialects and Anglicization. Generally, such surnames were often linked to health, strength, or desirable qualities, commonly adopted by people of medical or warrior professions. However, it's important to note that surnames can have multiple origins and meanings, subject to different geographical locations and languages. Thus, the interpretation of the surname Coan can vary.

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Coan: Where does the name Coan come from?

The surname Coan is predominantly of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name O Cadhain. It was first found in Connacht, in the West of Ireland, where the family held a family seat from ancient times. This surname has variations, including both Coen and Cohen, which can make tracing its exact origins complex. The Coan surname is also linked to Jewish ancestry, with the surname Cohen (a variant of Coan) being one of the most common Jewish surnames, derived from the Hebrew word for “priest”.

Today, it is most common in the United States, often among descendants of Irish immigrants. Data from the 2014 United States Census found that Coan was the 16,061st most common surname in the country. However, in Ireland itself, the prevalence of the name has significantly decreased, with many of the Coan families emigrating during the Great Famine in the 19th century. The surname Coan can also be found, albeit less commonly, in other English-speaking countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

Variations of the surname Coan

The surname Coan is of Irish origin and was initially O'Coan before the "O" was dropped. Similar to many Irish surnames, there are several variations and spellings due to phonetic translations and transliterations over centuries. Variations of Coan may include Coen, Cohen, Cohan, Cohane, Cowan, Coone, Coane, Kohen, Kohan, and Kowen.

Considering the ancient Gaelic form, Ó Cadhain, other variants could include Keane or Kane. This is particularly true in northwestern Ireland, where "dh" often changes to "g" or "k" in pronunciation. The same root can sometimes be Anglicized as O'Hagan in parts of Ulster.

Moreover, because Irish emigrants sometimes changed their surnames to sound more English or were misunderstood by immigration authorities, variations such as Cone, Cohan, Cown, and even King might be encountered.

Remember that there can be several unrelated origins for the same or similar surnames. For example, "Cohen" is a common Jewish surname, but it has different roots and does not mean it is always related to the Irish Coan. The surname Cowan can also have Scottish origins unrelated to the Irish Coan.

Famous people with the name Coan

  • Houston Coan: actor and vocalist
  • Phil Coan: former English professional footballer
  • Dave Coan: journalist and media executive
  • Jean Bach Coan: philanthropist and socialite
  • Stephen Coan: President and CEO of the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago
  • Robert L. Coan: American World War II ace
  • Ashlee Coan: actress
  • Alfred Coan: Bishop of Sodor and Man (1891-1894)
  • Noah Coan: professional surfer
  • John Lawrence Coan: US Navy Officer and Medal of Honor recipient

Other surnames

CoadCoadeCoadyCoaferCoakerCoakleyCoalCoalasCoalburnCoalbyCoaleCoalesCoalsonCoapesCoartneyCoastCoateCoatesCoatneyCoats

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