Summary

The surname Cotter is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic word "cottier", which means a farmer who rented land from a landlord. This surname has historical significance as it was commonly used to identify tenant farmers in Ireland during the Middle Ages.
There are
11904
Cotters in the USA
Cotter is the
3010th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Cotter

WilliamCotter

William Cotter was a prominent Irish military leader and politician, known for his involvement in the Irish War of Independence and the Irish Civil War.

PeggyCotter

Peggy Cotter is an American actress and dancer, best known for her role in the Broadway musical 'Chicago' and her appearances on various television shows.

JohnCotter

John Cotter was an English inventor and engineer, known for his contributions to the development of steam engines and locomotives during the Industrial Revolution.

MaryCotter

Mary Cotter is an Australian journalist and news presenter, who has worked for various television networks and is known for her coverage of international events.

ThomasCotter

Thomas Cotter was an American politician and lawyer, who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives and later as a federal judge.

HannahCotter

Hannah Cotter is a Canadian artist and sculptor, known for her contemporary installations and public artworks that explore themes of identity and cultural heritage.

RichardCotter

Richard Cotter is a British historian and author, specializing in medieval history and the history of the Cotter surname, with several published works on the subject.

SarahCotter

Sarah Cotter is an Irish singer-songwriter and musician, known for her soulful and introspective folk songs that have gained popularity both in Ireland and internationally.

RobertCotter

Robert Cotter is an American entrepreneur and business executive, who has founded and led multiple successful startups in the technology and e-commerce industries.

MargaretCotter

Margaret Cotter was a Scottish poet and writer, known for her insightful and lyrical verse that often explored themes of nature, love, and spirituality.

Cotter Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Cotter' has Irish origins and is derived from the Gaelic word 'cottair,' which means 'cottager' or 'dweller at a cot or cottage.' It was originally a occupational name for someone who lived and worked on a small farm or cottage.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Cotter' is most commonly found in Ireland, especially in the provinces of Munster and Connacht. It is also present in other English-speaking countries with Irish diaspora, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Cotter' include 'Cotterill,' 'Cotterell,' 'Cotterman,' 'Cotterrill,' 'Cottingham,' 'Cottham,' 'Cottam,' 'Cottman,' and 'Cotman.'
Migration and ImmigrationThe name 'Cotter' has been carried by Irish immigrants to various countries, especially during periods of Irish emigration, such as the Great Famine in the 19th century. Many Cotter families settled in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, and contributed to the development of their new communities.