Coffin Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Coffin come from? What does the surname Coffin mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Coffin and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Coffin Origin: What does the last name Coffin mean?
The Coffin surname has English and French origins, with early records dating back to the 12th century in England. It is believed to have derived from the Old English term for a basket or chest maker. The surname became associated with prominent families like Tristram Coffin Sr. and Dionis Stevens, who migrated to Massachusetts from England in the 17th century, establishing themselves as influential figures in American society. The Coffin name has since spread globally, with a significant presence in the United States and England.
YourRoots data confirms the Coffin surname's historical presence in England and its subsequent expansion to the United States by the 16th century. Over the centuries, Coffin families have made significant contributions to various fields, from business and politics to arts and sciences. Today, the Coffin surname can be found in different parts of the world, reflecting a diverse and widespread heritage that continues to thrive in modern society.
Coffin Last Name History: Where did the last name Coffin come from?
Origin of Coffin Surname: Where does the last name Coffin originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Coffin first appeared in records from England around the early 12th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Coffin” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Coffin: What does the Coffin surname history look like in the early days?
The “Coffin” surname remained closely associated with England from the 12th through the 15th century. YourRoots data also shows Coffin family records in the United States starting from the 16th century, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Coffin surname today?
By the 16th century, the volume of records with the Coffin surname grew significantly in the United States. By the early 17th century, it had surpassed England, a trend that continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. The “Coffin” surname remains prominent in the United States and England. The exact distribution of the Coffin surname in other regions worldwide requires further analysis due to the limited information available in the current YourRoots data set.
Explore Coffin last name heritage and Coffin surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Coffin Surame?
Pierre Coffin
Pierre-Louis Padang Coffin (born Mar 16, 1967) is a French animator, director, and voice actor best known for co-directing the Despicable Me series and voicing the Minions. He began his career studying cinema in Paris and worked on various projects before achieving success with Despicable Me. Coffin continues to work on the franchise and is developing new web series for Illumination. He has two children and remains a prominent figure in the animation industry.
Levi Coffin
Levi Coffin Jr. (Oct 28, 1798 – Sept 16, 1877) was an American Quaker, abolitionist, and humanitarian known as the "President of the Underground Railroad." He helped thousands of slaves escape to freedom through his home in Indiana and Ohio. Coffin's activism extended to Europe, where he formed aid societies for former slaves. His autobiography, Reminiscences of Levi Coffin, sheds light on his tireless efforts to fight against slavery and provide support to those in need.
Frederick Coffin
Frederick D. Coffin (January 16, 1943 – July 31, 2003) was an American actor, singer, and musician known for his appearances in popular films and television series. He starred in movies such as "Wayne's World" and "Hard to Kill" and made guest appearances in iconic shows like "The X-Files" and "Dallas." Coffin was also a talented singer, songwriter, and theater actor, showcasing his diverse artistic abilities. His legacy lives on through his memorable performances on screen and stage, captivating audiences with his charm and talent.
Jeff Coffin
Jeff Stanley Coffin (born Aug 5, 1965) is an American saxophonist, composer, and educator. He is a three-time Grammy Award winner as a member of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, performing with them from 1997 to 2010. Coffin later toured with the Dave Matthews Band, joining them in 2009. He leads his group Jeff Coffin & the Mu'tet, reflecting his belief that music must evolve. Coffin has collaborated with various artists and released numerous albums. As a music educator, he has given over 300 clinics globally. A versatile musician, Coffin continues to make a significant impact on the music industry.
William Sloane Coffin
William Sloane Coffin Jr. (June 1, 1924 – April 12, 2006) was an American Christian clergyman, peace activist, and prominent leader in the civil rights and peace movements of the 1960s and 1970s. He served as senior minister at Riverside Church in New York City and President of SANE/Freeze, a major peace and social justice group. Coffin strongly opposed U.S. military interventions from the Vietnam War to the Iraq War and was a staunch advocate for gay rights. Born into a wealthy elite New York City family, his upbringing influenced his lifelong commitment to social justice and activism.
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