Surname Cooley - Meaning and Origin

The Ancient Origins and Remarkable Journey of the Cooley Surname: A Personal Discovery through iGENEA DNA Analysis

Embarking on a journey of self-discovery through iGENEA's DNA analysis led me to explore the rich history and wide geographical span of my Irish surname - Cooley. Discovering the roots and understanding the journey of my ancestors painted an intricate picture of my family's part in global human history.

B. Cooley

Cooley: What does the surname Cooley mean?

The last name Cooley is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic term "Mac Giolla Chuda", which translates to "son of the servant of Saint Mochuda". Saint Mochuda was a revered 7th-century Irish monk, also known as Saint Carthage, who founded a monastery in the town of Lismore, County Waterford. The Cooley surname is most common in areas around Louth and Monaghan in Ireland.

Over time and with anglicization, the original Gaelic name was shortened and altered, leading to variations such as Cooley, MacCulle, and even Quill. As families with the Cooley surname emigrated, the name spread to places such as England, the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Like most surnames that started as occupation or patronymic names, being a "Cooley" does not imply any specific type of profession today. It's a surname that connects individuals to their Irish heritage and the rich history of Ireland.

Cooley: Where does the name Cooley come from?

The surname Cooley is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Cuilinn". It was first found in Monaghan, a county in Ireland where they held a family seat from ancient times. The name was initially anglicized to "MacCool" then later simply to "Cooley".

It's also worth noting that Cooley could have a topographic origin, from the Irish region called Cooley Peninsula. In the Irish language, "Cuailgne" means "hardship", referring to rough and desolate characteristics of this area. Families bearing the surname could potentially have hailed from this region.

Today, the surname Cooley is most commonly found in the United States, likely due to Irish emigration during the Great Famine in the 19th century. According to the 2010 United States Census, Cooley is the 1,152nd most common surname in the country. In addition, it's also relatively common in Australia and the United Kingdom, again due to historical migration patterns.

Variations of the surname Cooley

The surname Cooley is of Irish origin, deriving from the Gaelic name Mac Cuilinn, which translates to "Holly Son."

Several variants and spellings of this surname exist due to translation between Gaelic and English and variations in regional dialects. These include Coole, Cooly, Couley, Cooley, Kouli, Coullie, and Couley, among others. Each represents unique phonetic adaptations, with differences often reflecting historical or regional pronunciation shifts.

Identical or similar surnames can sometimes originate from entirely different sources. For instance, the surname Cooley also arises from the English toponymic surname, referring to individuals who lived near a cool (cold or chilly) leah (wood or clearing), dating back to the medieval period in England.

Irish surnames frequently have an "O" or "Mc/Mac" prefix, with "O'" indicating "grandson of" and "Mc/Mac" meaning "son of." Therefore, O’Cooley, McCooley, or MacCooley would be variations as well.

Finally, the anglicization of Irish surnames has led to simplified versions such as Cully, Coole, and Colly, which, although pronounced differently, have a common root in the original Gaelic Mac Cuilinn.

Please note that this list does not encompass every possible variation as surnames can evolve dynamically and independently across regions.

Famous people with the name Cooley

• Gary Cooley: Gary Cooley is a notable artist known for his painting and sculpture works.
• Cooley Windsor: Cooley Windsor is an American actor known for his roles in Disney's 'The Princess and the Frog' and 'Maleficent'.
• Charles Horton Cooley: Charles Horton Cooley was a significant American sociologist and the son of a Supreme Court Judge.
• Denise Cooley: Denise Cooley is a lesser-known actress, known mainly for her role in 'Night of the Demons'.
• George Cooley: George Cooley is a renowned plant ecologist who has greatly contributed to the field of ecology.
• Michael Cooley: Michael Cooley is a renowned Australian multidisciplinary artist.
• Brian Cooley: Brian Cooley is a notable figure in the tech journalism world, particularly recognized for his work with CNET.
• John Cooley: John Cooley is a former NBA player who was with the Phoenix Suns in the late 1990s.
• Darby Cooley: Darby Cooley is a popular contemporary country singer-songwriter.
• Emily Cooley: Emily Cooley is a rising star in the classical music world, known for her compositions.

Other surnames

CooleCoolenCoolens