The Irish surname Ó Comáin is rooted in an Irish chiefdom. Its anglicised forms include Comain(e), Coman, Comeens, Comin(s), Commane, Comman(s), Commin(s), Common(s), Commyn, Comyn(e), Cowman(s), Cummane, Cumings, Cummin(s), Cumming(s), Cumyn, Cummyn, Kimmons, MacSkimmins, McCowman.

The name is derived from the Gaelic personal name Comán (meaning "noble" or "steadfast") or Commán ("companion" or "communion"), a name from early Irish history.