Surname Cofield - Meaning and Origin
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Cofield: What does the surname Cofield mean?
The surname Cofield is of English origin and its first known use can be traced back to medieval times. While the precise meaning of the surname is not completely clear, it is primarily considered a topographic name. It is believed to have been derived from the Old English words 'cocc' meaning rooster, and 'feld' meaning field, it thus translates to "rooster field." This could have referred to an open piece of land where roosters were kept, potentially indicating that the earliest bearers of the name lived near or worked on such a field. It should be noted that surname meanings can often be complex and multi-faceted, and the available records for many are incomplete or inconclusive. Therefore, the meaning provided here is the most commonly accepted interpretation. As with any surname, individuals who bear it today may have diverse familial origins and may or may not have any connection to rooster fields, England, or farming.
Order DNA origin analysisCofield: Where does the name Cofield come from?
The surname Cofield derives from the Old English names Coefield or Cuffield, denoting someone who lived near a prominent field or open land. This toponymic surname suggests it originated in England. It is a combination of "cove" (Old English cofa, meaning a sheltered recess) and "field" (feld, meaning open country or unencumbered area).
Today, the last name Cofield remains more commonly found in English-speaking countries. It most prevalent in the United States, according to surname distribution data. Particularly, it is common in the southern states like Alabama, North Carolina, and Georgia. This high concentration in the southern U.S. quite likely originates from the period of British colonization when many British surnames were brought to the New World. The name is also found, albeit less frequently, in England where it originated, and in other nations like Canada and Australia.
Variations of the surname Cofield
The surname Cofield is not very common and has several variations in spelling. The surname is of English origin and is predominantly used in the United States. Some of the variants of the name may include: Coefield, Cofeild, Cofeld, Coefeld, and Kafield. All these appear to have evolved as phonetic adaptations to the original form.
Some researchers suggest that the name Cofield could be a variant of the English surname Canfield, although this is not universally agreed upon. Cofield could also be a locational surname, representing someone who lived in or near a field (old English “feld”) that was named with "Cofa," which means a cave or cove in Old English.
The surname could also have different geographical or chronological variants based on movement of people or change in language. It's also common with many surnames to see versions where prefixes or suffixes are added or removed.
In terms of surnames of the same origin, some possibilities might include other old English surnames with the "-field" ending, like Wakefield, Mansfield, or Hatfield. Remember, genealogical research can be complex, and it might be best to consult a specialist to help trace the specific origins and variants of a surname.
Famous people with the name Cofield
- Kenneth "Kenny" Cofield: a former professional football player who spent time in the National Football League (NFL) with the Baltimore Colts.
- Mike Cofield: He was a standout athlete in both football and baseball during his time at the University of Texas.
- Dr. Regina Cofield: a notable education professional.
- Kim Cofield: A professional dancer and dance company director in New York.
- Corey Cofield: An actor known for his roles in various television series and films.
- Donna Cofield: A soprano who was part of the award-winning choir, The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.
- Vaughn Cofield: He is a former professional basketball player.
- Gary Cofield: A notable American football coach. Please note that this list includes both those who have gained national or international recognition in their respective fields, as well as those who might be more regionally or locally known within the United States.