Cotter (surname)

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It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Cottier. (Discuss)

Cotter is a family surname which may -among other countries and regions- be found in Ireland.

This surname has at least two very different etymologies and interpretations.

We may divide these two into: [1], and [2].

Number order here does not indicate "prevalence" of any kind, but simply mirrors chronological appearance of the name Cotter:

[1]. Originally the Scandinavian surname of Otter, it was brought to Ireland by Viking settlers. Scholar, Miriam Ellis, has written a detailed article regarding the origins of the surname Cotter and its possible links to the great Norse Sagas and the Arthurian Legends. Read this article at: http://miriamellis.com/geneaology1.shtml. A thought provoking study of the philology of this ancient surname, and an exciting read for all people connected to the Cotter family line.

Baile Mhic Choitir (Ballymaccotter), a townland of west Cork, is one of the areas originally settled by the Cotters. The surname was initially corrupted in Irish to Mac Oitir. This corruption was further corrupted to Mac Coitir until eventually with the Anglicisation of Gaelic surnames, it became Cotter. It is worth noting that the word oitir appears in both Scottish Gaelic and Irish Gaelic and translates to English as river bank.

[2]. Cotter may also be derived from Old English Cottier or Cotier : in this case, it goes back to Old French Cottier and Latin "Cottus", following the Norman invasion of the British Isles. (See Cottier).