Cottingham — Last Name Origin & Meaning

English origin Rank #7,868 in the US 4,206 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#7,868
▼ Down 320 since 2000
People in the US
4,206
1.43 per 100K people
Origin
English
Old English

Origin & Meaning of the Cottingham Surname

What does the last name Cottingham mean?

The surname Cottingham carries the meaning "From a homestead or village." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 4,206 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Cottingham ranks as the #7,868 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Cottingham come from?

The Cottingham surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Cottingham name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Cottingham trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.

English Old English

Quick Facts

Surname Cottingham
Meaning From a homestead or village
Origin English
Language Old English
US Rank (2010) #7,868
US Count (2010) 4,206
Per 100K People 1.43
First Letter C

Ethnic Distribution of Cottingham

According to the US Census, the Cottingham surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,206 Americans with the Cottingham last name.

White 73.18%
Black 20.83%
Hispanic 2.54%
Asian/PI 0.43%
Native American 0.59%
Two+ Races 2.43%
Ethnic distribution of the Cottingham surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White73.18%
Black20.83%
Hispanic2.54%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.43%
Native American0.59%
Two or More Races2.43%

Popularity of Cottingham Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Cottingham surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#7,548
4,063 people
Down 320
Census 2010
#7,868
4,206 people

The number of Americans with the Cottingham surname increased by 143 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Cottingham Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Cottingham ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Cottingham

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Cottingham.

Other English Surnames

Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Cottingham.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cottingham

The surname Cottingham is of English origin. From a homestead or village
The surname Cottingham is ranked #7,868 in the United States with approximately 4,206 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
From a homestead or village. The name has English roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Cottingham surname is distributed as: 73.2% White, 20.8% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Cottingham ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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