Surname Cooly - Meaning and Origin

Cooly: What does the surname Cooly mean?

The last name Cooly is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name 'Mac giolla Chomhghaill' which means "Son of the servant or devotee of St. Comhghall." Saint Comhghall was an Irish saint who founded the Monastery of Bangor, in County Down, Northern Ireland in the 6th century. Over time, the name was anglicized and various spellings emerged including Cooley, Cooly, Couley, and Colly among others. The name is generally found in the areas of Cork and Dublin. It might also be a locational surname referring to individuals who originated from the Cooley Peninsula in County Louth. Like most surnames that originated from Gaelic, the name denotes a prominent feature of the geography, family, profession, or personal characteristic of the initial bearer. Thus, the last name Cooly carries with it a rich history and cultural significance, deeply rooted in Irish heritage.

Cooly: Where does the name Cooly come from?

The last name Cooly is of English origin, derived from a geographical location, specifically from a place called Cowley in Oxfordshire. The Old English term 'cu-leah' meaning 'woodland clearing of the cows' transformed over time into Cooly.

The Cooly surname expanded during medieval times with English settlers to Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. However, due to various compelling factors, including economic instability and the quest for better living conditions, many Coolys embarked on the journey to the New World throughout the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.

Today, you can find most of the people bearing the Cooly surname in the United States, especially in states like Pennsylvania and Michigan. Some bearers of the surname are also found in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, although the density is significantly lesser as compared to the United States. It should be highlighted that the actual spelling of family names may have changed over time, catering to different phonetic interpretations, so similar variations of the Cooly surname may also be commonly found in these regions.

Variations of the surname Cooly

The surname Cooly can be seen varying in different forms as per the geographical regions and the usage over time. Some known variants and similar spellings include Coolly, Cooley, Coole, Cooley, Coolen, Kooley, Cooely, and Couley. It may also appear as Kooly or Koole.

Sometimes the surname might have an additional 'e' or 'i' or be preceded by 'Mc' or 'O', typical of Irish surnames; hence, McCooly or O'Cooley. It could also appear as Coolidge or Cooligan in some regions.

The surname Cooly can also be found as Colly or Cully, given the phonetic similarities, and be further varied as Colley or Cullie. Similar surnames of different origins but with phonetic resemblances might include Coulie, Coull, or Coullie.

Remember, the surname spellings could have been altered over time due to a variety of factors such as immigration, illiteracy, or anglicization. Please consult genealogical records, family histories, and regional patterns for the most accurate information pertaining to individual families.

Famous people with the name Cooly

• Paul Cooley, American actor
• Sally Cooley, American actress
• J. M. Cooley, American artist
• Maurice Cooley, American football player
• Richard Cooley, American lawyer
• Samuel Cooley, British actor
• Gordon Cooley, American engineer
• Graham Cooley, English actor
• Mary Cooley, American singer
• Doug Cooley, Canadian hockey coach
• Leonard Cooley, American entrepreneur
• Traci Cooley, American TV producer
• John Cooley, Australian politician
• Dan Cooley, American politician
• Paul Cooley, British author
• Tom Cooley, American writer
• David Cooley, American composer
• Ann Cooley, American fitness instructor
• Eric Cooley, American photographer
• Tanner Cooley, American social media personality

Other surnames

CoolCooleCoolenCoolensCooleyCoolhaasCools