Cotner Family History

Probably an Americanized form of German Kötner or Köthner status names for a cotter derived from Middle High German and Middle Low German kote ‘shelter cottage’.

Specifically, it refers to a kind of cottage that was rented on a daily basis and had little or no land with it.

This terminology reflects the historical context of how individuals lived and worked, emphasizing the distinction of housing and land tenure.

The concept of a cotter illustrates the varying social classes and economic arrangements in medieval society.

For further understanding of the term, see Koth.