As described in historical dictionaries

An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names (1857)

(origin: Local) Cyffin, in Welsh, signifies a boundary, a limit, a hill; cefyn, the ridge of a hill. This name has its origin from Co, high, exalted, and fin, a head, extremity, boundary. This family settled early in this country, on the sland of Nantucket, near Cape Cod, where the name is very common. The following humorous lines, descriptive of the characteristics of the different families residing on that island, were written by one Daniel Allen, a native of the island, more than a hundred years ago: "The hasty Coffin, fractious, loud, The silent Gardiner, plotting, The Mitchells good, the Barkers proud, The Macys eat the pudding; The Rays and Russels coopers are, The knowing Folger lazy, A learned Coleman very rare, And scarce an honest Hussey."

Arthur, William (1857) An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. New York: Sheldon, Blakeman. Public Domain.


Patronymica Britannica (1860)

COFFIN. Tills f\imlly possessed Alwington manor, co. De'on, temp. William Conq.. and they still reside at Portledge in that manor. B.L.G. Colvin or Colvinus

Lower, Mark A (1860) Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom. London: J.R. Smith. Public Domain.


Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

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