| ![Show Contents]() Cofer History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
Ireland Etymology of CoferWhat does the name Cofer mean? The name Cofer originally descend from Cobthach Fionn, a quo Ó Cobhthaigh, where "cobthach" means "victorious" and "fionn" means "fair," combined to mean "the fairhaired victor." 1 Early Origins of the Cofer familyThe surname Cofer was first found in County Cork, Roscommon and Meath, where the claim descent from the Irish monarch, Luy Mac Con, from the line of Ithe Kings, ancestor of Cobthach Fion, who in turn was the ancestor of the name Coffey or Caughey (both pronounced the same way). The O'Coffeys of Corcaloidhe are kin of the O'Driscolls, and are still common in southwest County Cork today. Early History of the Cofer familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Cofer research. Another 99 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1580, 1700, 1729, 1745, 1857 and 1916 are included under the topic Early Cofer History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Cofer Spelling VariationsMany different spelling variations of the surname Cofer were found in the archives researched. These included Scribes and church officials generally spelled a name as it sounded; as a result, a person's name could be spelt innumerable ways in his lifetime. Coffey, Caughey, Coffie, Coughey, Cauffey, Cauffy, Cauffie, Coffy, Coughay, Coffay, Coffeye and many more. Early Notables of the Cofer familyNotable among the family name at this time was Dermot O'Coffey (fl. 1580), the Gaelic poet.Charles Coffey of Leinster (1700-1745), was an Irish dramatist, actor and composer, a 'native of Ireland,' is first heard of in Dublin. In Dublin...
Another 39 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Cofer Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Cofer RankingIn the United States, the name Cofer is the 5,677th most popular surname with an estimated 4,974 people with that name. 2
| Cofer migration to the United States | + |
The 19th century brought a massive reduction in Ireland's population. It seemed that during the Great Potato Famine of the late 1840s the Irish people had two options: starve or immigrate. Those that chose the later frequently headed for the United States, hopeful for land, work, and equality. Those determined for free land joined the migration west; while others stayed behind to live in urban centers and often work in factories. Still others began a transitory life in work camps, building the bridges, canals, railways, and highways so critical to the rapidly development of the growing industrial nation. Early passenger and immigration lists have shown many early immigrants bearing the name Cofer:
Cofer Settlers in United States in the 20th Century- Effie Oyleth Cofer, who immigrated to the United States, in 1905
- James H. Cofer, aged 36, who immigrated to the United States, in 1909
- Mrs. Vernon Cofer, aged 28, who landed in America, in 1909
- Vernon Cofer, aged 32, who immigrated to America, in 1909
- Henrietta Cofer, who settled in America, in 1910
| Contemporary Notables of the name Cofer (post 1700) | + |
- Joseph "Joe" Louis Cofer (b. 1963), former American NFL football defensive back
- John Lawrence Cofer (b. 1984), American professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter
- Michael Lynn "Mike" Cofer (b. 1960), former American NFL football linebacker
- James Michael Cofer (b. 1964), former professional American football player
- Susan M. Cofer, American Democratic Party politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Kansas, 1996 3
- N. G. Cofer, American Democratic Party politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Texas, 1944 3
- B. F. Cofer, American Republican politician, Delegate to Republican National Convention from Georgia, 1928, 1940 (alternate), 1944 (alternate), 1948 (alternate) 3
- Judith Ortiz Cofer (b. 1952), Puerto Rican author
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: Non providentia sed victoria
Motto Translation: No victory without foresight
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