COVE
Cove
Etymology: The surname Cove is of Old English origin, derived from the word 'cufa,' meaning a small inland bay or inlet. It is believed to have been used as a topographic name for someone who lived near such a feature.
History: The Cove surname has been recorded in various regions across England and Scotland. In England, it is particularly associated with areas in the south, such as Cornwall and Devon, where there are many coves along the rugged coastline.
Notable Individuals:
- Henry Cove (1829-1915): A British artist known for his landscape paintings capturing the essence of the Cornish coves.
- Eleanor Cove (1896-1978): A notable British actress who gained recognition for her performances in West End productions during the early 20th century.
Coat of Arms: The Cove family coat of arms features a shield divided into quarters with symbols representing strength, resilience, and a connection to the sea.
Variants: Variants of the Cove surname include de la Cove, Coves, and Covey, reflecting different spellings and pronunciations over the centuries.
Modern Distribution: Today, the Cove surname remains somewhat rare, with the highest concentrations found in areas with historical ties to maritime activities, such as coastal regions and port towns.
References:
- Reaney, P.H., & Wilson, R.M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
There are approximately 1,192 people named Cove in the UK. That makes it roughly the 6,458th most common surname in Britain. Around 18 in a million people in Britain are named Cove.
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Brian
- David
- John
- Matthew
- Michael
- Peter
- Richard
- Stephen
- Timothy
- William
Female
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Karen
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Martina
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Rachel
- Sarah
- Sharon
- Susan