Comyn Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Comyn come from? What does the surname Comyn mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Comyn and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Comyn Origin: What does the last name Comyn mean?
The surname Comyn has its roots in Scotland and Ireland, with distinct origins in each country. In Scotland, it is of Norman origin and was associated with notable clans and noble families such as Clan Cumming and the Lords of Badenoch. In Ireland, the surname was anglicized from the Irish Gaelic surname Ó Comáin. YourRoots data indicates that the Comyn surname first appeared in Scottish records around the early 10th century, remaining closely tied to Scotland until the 14th century. The name also spread to England and other countries over the centuries, with significant records found in the United Kingdom and the United States by the 20th century.
Global records from YourRoots show that the Comyn surname has a widespread presence, not only in Scotland and England but also in countries like Ireland. The surname's history reflects a rich heritage associated with noble families and clans in Scotland, as well as the anglicized version in Ireland. Despite originating from different regions, the Comyn surname has maintained its prominence across various countries and continues to be a significant part of genealogical records worldwide.
Comyn Last Name History: Where did the last name Comyn come from?
Origin of Comyn Surname: Where does the last name Comyn originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Comyn first appeared in records from Scotland around the early 10th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Comyn spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Comyn: What does the Comyn surname history look like in the early days?
The Comyn surname remained closely associated with Scotland from the 10th to the 14th century. YourRoots data also shows Comyn family records in countries like England, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Comyn surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Comyn surname grew significantly in Scotland and England. The Comyn surname remains prominent in the United Kingdom and the United States. It appears in many countries, including Ireland.
Explore Comyn last name heritage and Comyn surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Comyn Surame?
Matt Comyn
Matt Comyn is an Australian business executive and the CEO of Commonwealth Bank, one of Australia's "Big Four Banks". He has been with the bank since 1999 and became CEO in April 2018. Comyn was born in 1975 in Paddington, Sydney, and holds degrees from UNSW and Harvard Business School. He is married to Lucy-Ellen and has three children. Comyn lives in Randwick, Sydney.
Richard Comyn
Richard Comyn (died c. 1179) was a Scottish noble known for his role as Justiciar of Lothian and his connections to royalty through his marriage to Hextilda of Tynedale, the daughter of Lord of Tynedale and granddaughter of King Donald III of Scotland. He was captured and held hostage alongside King William in 1174. Richard had four sons and three daughters, one of whom, Margaret, became the Countess of Atholl. His family's influence is documented in historical charters and records, shedding light on their significance in medieval Scotland.
Elizabeth de Comyn
Elizabeth de Comyn (1 Nov 1299 – 20 Nov 1372) was a medieval noblewoman known for being kidnapped by the Despenser family during the reign of King Edward II. Born to Scottish nobleman John III Comyn and French noblewoman Joan de Valence, Elizabeth inherited the powerful fortress of Goodrich Castle and the manor of Painswick. After being forced to sign over her lands to the Despensers, she married Richard Talbot, 2nd Baron Talbot. Queen Isabella of France later deposed the Despensers, allowing Elizabeth and Richard to regain their titles. Elizabeth's heraldic symbol was three garbs, and she lived a successful life, remarrying after Richard's passing and passing away in 1372.
Alison Comyn
Alison Comyn (born 28 Oct 1969) is an Irish Fianna Fáil politician and former television journalist. She has presented for Sky News and UTV Ireland, winning an IFTA for Best News Programme. Comyn also worked for the Drogheda Independent and as a reporter with RTÉ, BBC, and Channel 4. In her political career, she became a senator in 2025 after an unsuccessful run for Louth in 2024. Comyn was married to Malachy Murphy and has two children.
James Comyn
Sir James Peter Comyn (8 Mar 1921 – 5 Jan 1997) was an Irish-born barrister and English High Court judge. He was known as "the finest all-round advocate at the English bar", with a prominent legal career. Comyn overcame setbacks, including a joke in journalism and a dead cat thrown at him in court, to become a respected silk in 1961. As a High Court judge, he presided over high-profile cases with leniency in sentencing. Despite facing IRA action, Comyn continued to write books and breed cattle. He passed away at age 75, leaving a legacy in the legal world.
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