The
Anglo-Saxons of Britain first developed the name Coffing. It was a name given to someone who was a person who made baskets. The surname Coffing is derived from the Old French words
cofin and
coffin, which in turn come from the Late Latin word
cophinus, which means
basket. Occupational names such as this one frequently were derived from the principal object associated with the activity of the original bearer, such as tools or products. These types of
occupational surnames are called
metonymic surnames. The English word
coffin is a specialized development of this word which did not exist before the 16th century. The surname Coffing may also be a
nickname derived from the Latin word
calvus, which means
bald. Early Origins of the Coffing family
The surname Coffing was first found in
Devon at Alwington, a parish, in the union of Bideford,
hundred of Shebbear, Great Torrington. "In the church [of Alwington], over the door of the chancel, is a curious ancient monument to a member of the Coffin family."
[1]CITATION[CLOSE]
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Early History of the Coffing family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Coffing research.
Another 139 words (10 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Coffing History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Coffing Spelling Variations
Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Coffing have been found, including Coffin, Coffyn, Colvin, Caffin, Caffyn, Chafen, Chaffine and many more.
Early Notables of the Coffing family (pre 1700)
More information is included under the topic Early Coffing Notables in all our
PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Coffing family to the New World and Oceana
Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in
England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in
England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Among the first immigrants of the name Coffing, or a variant listed above to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were: Francis Coffin who settled in Virginia in 1635.
Contemporary Notables of the name Coffing (post 1700)
- George Coffing, American politician, Member of Connecticut State Senate 17th District, 1861 [2]CITATION[CLOSE]
The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2016, January 20) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html
The Coffing Motto
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.
Motto: Extant recte factis praemia
Motto Translation: Rewards await right actions.