Surname Cotter - Meaning and Origin

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O. Cotter

Cotter: What does the surname Cotter mean?

The surname Cotter is of Irish origin, primarily deriving from the Gaelic name "Mac Coitir" or "Mac Oitir." These names directly translate to "son of Oitir" or "son of Coitir." In these translations, 'Oitir' or 'Coitir' are personal names based on the Norse word 'Óttar', meaning 'fear' or 'terror'. So, the names essentially mean the 'son of terror' or 'son of fear', suggesting a strong or powerful ancestor.

However, apart from a patronymic origin, another interpretation links it to the medievally significant role of a 'cotter'. In feudal times, a cotter was a serf or slave who worked a parcel of land (known as a 'cot') in exchange for protection. Thus, the name might have been occupational, marking individuals or families engaged in such work in the past.

Like many surnames, Cotter carries different meanings and histories tied to personal, professional, or geographical contexts, making it quite interesting for genealogical investigations.

Cotter: Where does the name Cotter come from?

The surname Cotter is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic term "cottier," which referred to a rural renter. It was traditionally a status name for peasants who rented small plots of land. Some variations of the last name in Ireland include Cotterel, Cottiers, Cotts, and Cottar. It is believed that the name originated in the southern counties of Munster and particularly in County Cork.

Today, the last name Cotter is still prevalent in Ireland, especially in the southern region. Besides Ireland, it is also relatively common in other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand due to the Irish diaspora.

Variations of the surname Cotter

The Cotter surname, predominantly of Irish origin, has several variations and alternative spellings that have developed over centuries. The original Gaelic form of the name is Mac Coitir or Mac Oitir, derived from a Norse personal name.

Common variants and alternate spellings include Cottier, Cotterell, Cottar, Cotier, Cotere, Coterel, Cottrell, Cottriall, and Cottrel.

The surname has also traveled and been altered based on regional language and dialect differences. For example, in Scotland, the surname has been known to change to Cotterell or Cottriall. Other forms are recorded in early Scottish records as Coterel, Coteral, and Coteralde.

Different families may have also changed the spelling of the surname over time to distinguish themselves, leading to more diversity in the surname's variants.

It's important to note that specific early recordings may have influenced variants and spellings. For example, the Hundred Rolls of Oxfordshire, England, in 1273 AD have recorded the name as William Coterel.

Variant spellings and regional influences make tracing the Cotter lineage challenging, but all these versions are connected by their Irish/Norse roots.

Famous people with the name Cotter

• Dave Cotter: A well-known technology entrepreneur; co-founder of the messaging app SquareHub.
• Peter Cotter: A famed Australian screen actor, most known for his roles in Paradise Road and Change of Heart.
• Carolyn Cotter: An American folk singer and songwriter who has gained fame across the U.S and Europe.
• Charlie Cotter: A notable silent film actor from the early 20th century.
• Andy Cotter: Professional sports commentator covering curling events, known for his work on the World Curling Federation’s YouTube channel.
• Tom Cotter: An American stand-up comedian who rose to prominence as a runner-up on America's Got Talent in 2012.
• Dean Cotter: A professional English cricketer.
• John Cotter: Famous Canadian broadcaster and author.
• Jim Cotter: Renowned Canadian curler who represented British Columbia at the Brier curling tournament several times.
• Molly Cotter: Known for her work in the film industry as a make-up artist.
• Pat Cotter: An Irish poet and publisher acclaimed for literary contributions.
• Bill Cotter: An Australian former rugby league footballer who played in the 1960s for Canterbury-Bankstown.
• Rebekah Cotter: A New Zealand model.

Other surnames

CottenCottenghamCottengimCotterell