Show ContentsCochell Surname History

The ancestors of the name Cochell date back to the days of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The name is derived from their residence in Cockhill, in Yorkshire. It is from the place-name that the family name is derived.

Early Origins of the Cochell family

The surname Cochell was first found in North Yorkshire, at Cockhill (Cock Hill) where the earliest known bearer of the name was Ralph de Coghull, who was listed in the Assize Rolls of 1286. The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 list Elizabetha de Cokhill and Johannes de Cockhill. 1 There is another Cockhill in Somerset but this was the ancient home of the Carey family. 2

Early History of the Cochell family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Cochell research. Another 94 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1633, 1673, 1692 and 1738 are included under the topic Early Cochell History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Cochell Spelling Variations

Cochell has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Cochell have been found, including Coghill, Coggshill, Cockhill, Cogdill, Cogdell and others.

Early Notables of the Cochell family

More information is included under the topic Early Cochell Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Cochell family to Ireland

Some of the Cochell family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 71 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Cochell family

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Cochells to arrive on North American shores: Mary Coghill, who settled in Virginia in 1684; George Coggshill, who settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1822; and D.J. Coghill, who arrived in San Francisco, California in 1851..



  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.


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