Coughlan is a surname. Notable people with the surname include:
Clement Coughlan (1942–1983), Irish politician
Edward Coughlan (mid 20th century), American detective fiction writer
Elaine Coughlan, Irish venture capitalist
James Coughlan (field hockey) (born 1990), New Zealand field hockey player
John Coughlan (1898–1965), Irish sportsman
John Coughlan, Australian airman who won the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal in 1968
Laurence Coughlan (before 1766 – after 1773), Irish-born itinerant preacher
Maria Coughlan (Moravskaya) (1890 – after 1947), Russian and American poet, writer, translator and literary critic; wife of Edward Coughlan
Mark Coughlan (born 1982), Australian rules footballer
Mary Coughlan (singer) (born 1956), Irish jazz singer
Mary Coughlan (politician) (born 1965), Irish Fianna Fáil politician and Tánaiste (deputy prime minister)
Richard Coughlan (1947–2013), English musician
Tom Coughlan (1881–after 1911), Irish hurler