Coughlan is a surname. Notable people with the surname include:
Clement Coughlan (1942–1983), Irish politicianEdward Coughlan (mid 20th century), American detective fiction writerElaine Coughlan, Irish venture capitalistJames Coughlan (field hockey) (born 1990), New Zealand field hockey playerJohn Coughlan (1898–1965), Irish sportsmanJohn Coughlan, Australian airman who won the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal in 1968Laurence Coughlan (before 1766 – after 1773), Irish-born itinerant preacherMaria Coughlan (Moravskaya) (1890 – after 1947), Russian and American poet, writer, translator and literary critic; wife of Edward CoughlanMark Coughlan (born 1982), Australian rules footballerMary Coughlan (singer) (born 1956), Irish jazz singerMary Coughlan (politician) (born 1965), Irish Fianna Fáil politician and Tánaiste (deputy prime minister)Richard Coughlan (1947–2013), English musicianTom Coughlan (1881–after 1911), Irish hurler