Surname Cokely - Meaning and Origin

Cokely: What does the surname Cokely mean?

The surname Cokely is of Irish origin and belongs to the category of hereditary surnames. Irish surnames were originally formed by taking the name of an ancestor, adding a prefix to indicate the relationship, usually Mac, meaning son of, or O, meaning grandson of. The surname Cokely is derived from the original Irish name Mac Cochlain or O'Cochlain, where "Cochlain" translates to "hooded" or "cowl". Over time, due to English influence, the name evolved phonetically into several different forms, including Cokely. It is most prevalent in the region of Northern Connacht, particularly in County Sligo. The meaning of the name, therefore, points towards a familial history associated with hooded or cowl-wearing ancestors, possibly indicating a monastic or religious background. As with any surname, specific meanings can be lost or change over time due to linguistic and cultural shifts.

Cokely: Where does the name Cokely come from?

The surname Cokely is an anglicized form of an ancient Irish name, ó Cochláin. Though spelled in various ways including Cokely, Cochlan, Coughlan, and Cohalan, it’s most common spelling is Coghlan. It specifically originates from two Irish Gaelic septs (distinct branches within a clan). The first sept belonged to County Cork, specifically within the area of Carbery where they were lords until the 13th century. The second sept was located in County Offaly.

It is believed that the name translates to 'descendant of Cocholláin', with Cocholláin being a byname meaning 'cape' or 'hood'. This could possibly indicate a distinguishing characteristic of an ancestor.

Today, the surname Cokely can be found in several countries around the world due to Irish emigration, particularly in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. However, it remains most common in Ireland, especially within its county of origin, Cork. It's less frequently found as Cokely and more commonly seen in its various other forms like Coghlan or Coughlan in these regions.

Variations of the surname Cokely

The surname Cokely has Irish origin and is a variant of Coakley. It has several spellings including Coakly, Coakley, Cokly, Cokaley, Cochley, and Cogaly, among others. These variants are primarily due to regional dialects, transcription errors, and simple misinterpretations of the handwritten name from original documents.

Furthermore, the name could be Anglicised as Caughey, Cafferty, and Cawfield because the pronunciation of Coakley in certain parts of Ireland may resemble these versions.

Another origin of this surname associates it with the Gaelic 'O Caglaigh', which means 'a warrior'. Therefore, Cokely might also share a common origin with surnames like Coghlan and Goggin.

Surnames that may also share a common root due to occupational or geographical factors could include Cookley, derived from Old English words for cook and clearing, or Cochlin, derived from coch meaning red and suggesting a ruddy complexion or red-haired ancestor.

Keep in mind that the variations of the Cokely surname are innumerable, due to the natural evolution of language and the way names were traditionally handed down from generation to generation.

Famous people with the name Cokely

• Billy Cokely: American professional football player for the Atlanta Falcons.
• Ryan Cokely: Canadian actor and singer best known for his role in 'Ice Princess' as Doug Smith.
• Alan Cokely: songwriter/producer from Blackstone, Virginia.
• Hugh Cokely: associate professor of history at Georgia Southern University.
• Mike Cokely: novelist and poet whose works include "The Thinking Man" and "Chasing the Dragon's Tail".
• Harold Cokely: vice president of the Western Hockey League.
• Laurie Cokely: former president of the League of Women Voters in South Dakota.
• Charles Cokely: former United States Congressman from the state of Texas.
• Mark Cokely: professional runner and coach from California.
• Robert Cokely: secretary of the Canadian Council on Education.

Other surnames

Cokel