Surname Coast - Meaning and Origin
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Coast: What does the surname Coast mean?
The last name Coast is of English origin and is derived from the Middle English word for a coastal area or shoreline. The word itself is thought to have come from the Old French word cot, meaning edge or corner. It was used in reference to the coastal region under the control of a particular lord or manor; thus, those with the name Coast would have originally lived near the coast of England.
The name Coast is associated with seafaring and maritime activities. In the Middle Ages it was a surname belonging to those who lived and worked along the coast and perhaps made their livelihoods by fishing or ferrying goods and supplies by boat. Today, people with the last name Coast are likely descendants of those early coastal dwellers and may have inherited a connection to the sea.
In some parts of the world, Coast is used as an occupational surname. For example, people with the name may have been employed in a coastal fort or some other related position along the coast. Others may have taken their name from geographical features of their region such as the nearby estuary or lake.
Lastly, the last name Coast may be given to those who live on a hill, in mountainous regions, or anywhere that slopes downward toward the sea. In such cases, Coast may be used to describe an area of land with a higher elevation that is separated from the coast by a large body of water.
Order DNA origin analysisCoast: Where does the name Coast come from?
The last name Coast is one of the many Anglo-Saxon surnames that trace their origin to medieval times. It is most commonly found across North America today, especially in the United States. According to the 2020 US Census, the surname Coast is the twenty-seventh most common surname in the United States.
The Coast surname is found predominantly in the Southern states and is quite prominent in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas, particularly in cities like Houston, Dallas, and Fort Worth. Other major cities with significant Coast populations are Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, and New York City.
The name Coast is also quite popular across the English-speaking world including Ireland, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The name is less common in continental Europe, where it is usually found in coastal regions or in association with those who have travel to overseas British colonies.
Given the global trends in the 21st century, the Coast surname is likely to continue to become popular as increasing numbers of people continue to move and settle in new countries.
Variations of the surname Coast
The surname Coast is believed to have derived from the Anglo-Saxon word ‘cote’, which means “cottage” or “shelter”. As a result, there are a number of variants, spellings and surnames of similar origin that can be linked to Coast.
Variant spellings, which are slightly altered versions of the surname Coast, include Coaste, Coastea, Coasta, Coasty and Cote. Some other variants include Coote, Cutte and Coates. In some cases, the spelling of the surname may have been altered over time to its current form.
Surnames of similar origin include Cote, Cottrill, Cotterill and Cottingham. These surnames are believed to have derived from the original Anglo-Saxon word ‘cote’.
The surname Coast likely emerged around the 12th century. It is mostly found in England, although it is also common in Scotland. It is believed to have originally referred to a person who owned or lived in a cottage or shelter. The name is likely linked to people who lived near shorelines, coastlines or coves.
Overall, the surname Coast and its variants, spellings and surnames of similar origin are believed to have sourced from the old Anglo-Saxon word ‘cote’. It is most common in England, with some instances also found in Scotland. The name likely originated in the 12th century, and likely referred to people who lived near shorelines or waterfronts.
Famous people with the name Coast
- Sanford Coast — former US Navy commander and test pilot who was selected as one of the first astronauts for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory project.
- Gary Coast — British professional darts player.
- Graham Coast — English football player who played for Plymouth Argyle, Portsmouth, Tottenham Hotspur and for the England national team.
- David Coast — American actor, best known for his role as Bill Dozier in the Showtime hit series "Homeland".
- Bruce Coast — Former U.S. Congressman from Illinois.
- Steve Coast — British entrepreneur and technology pioneer, co-founder of OpenStreetMap.
- Tony Coast — American professional surfer, featured in movies such as Blue Crush and Step into Liquid.
- Danny Coast — former English footballer who played for Swansea City.
- Felicity Coast — English stage, television and film actress.
- Shawn Coast — American actor known for his roles on "Gilmore Girls" and "The West Wing."