Surname Code - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'C'
Code: What does the surname Code mean?
The surname Code is of Irish origin and is derived from the Irish Gaelic name "Mac Cathmhaoil", which itself is derived from "cathmhaoil", a compound of the Gaelic elements "cath", meaning 'battle', and "maol", meaning 'chief'. Thus, the surname Code translates to 'battle chief', suggesting the family ancestors were chieftains or leaders distinguished in combat. Like other Irish names, it is formed by adding the prefix 'Mac' (meaning 'son of') before the name of the original bearer. Over time, under English influence, the name underwent anglicization, resulting in various forms and spellings, including MacCawell, MacCowell, McCowell, Code, Codd, and Cod. This surname is prevalent in northern Irish counties, particularly Tyrone and Armagh. Notably, the surname does not bear any relation to the concept of 'code' in the programming or cryptographic sense.
Order DNA origin analysisCode: Where does the name Code come from?
The last name "Code" is of Anglo-Saxon origin, specifically derived from the Old English word "codd," meaning bag. It was likely originally used as a nickname for someone who habitually carried a bag or pouch. It can also have a topographic origin, referring to individuals who dwelled near a hill or a prominent round shape, similar to a bag. The surname has variations including Coade, Coad, Coode, Codd, Codde and others. In the early 17th century, it began appearing in various English records.
Today, the surname Code and its variants are distributed worldwide, due to migration over the centuries, with a significant presence in English-speaking countries. This includes the United Kingdom, where the name originated, as well as the United States, Canada, and Australia. Despite its widespread dispersion, it is not commonly found, making it a fairly unique and distinct surname.
Variations of the surname Code
The surname Code has a few variations and might be spelled in different ways across different regions and cultures. Some of the possible spellings of the surname Code can be Codd, Codde, Coad, Coade, Codee, Coddey, Coddie, and Cody. These variations could be a result of an adaptation to regional dialects, phonetic spellings, or even possible clerical errors from the past. The surnames Coad and Coade are believed to have originated in Cornwall and Devon, respectively in South West England. On the other hand, the surname Cody has Irish origins with ancestral roots in the O'Cuidighthigh clan from County Kerry. The surname Codd may have originated from the Old English personal name 'Codda'. These surnames can either connect back to a common origin or may have coincidentally ended up having similar spelling and phonetic structure. It's also possible that these surnames have multiple independent origins based on geographic location, occupation or topographic features. Comprehensive genealogical research would provide more definitive answers.
Famous people with the name Code
- Olly Code: British politician and former Member of Parliament for Chichester
- Emily Code: Former Vice President of Engineering and Math at Canadian software company, Tangentia
- David Code: Canadian lawyer and former member of the Senate of Canada, from 2002 until 2020
- Rhoda Code: Canadian lawyer, broadcaster and public intellectual
- Omar Code: South African actor, most well-known for his role in the television series Isidingo
- Julian Code: American television director and cinematographer 7.Joan Code: Canadian television and film actress
- Paul Code: British composer and multi-instrumentalist
- John Code: American mathematician and professor of mathematics at University of California, Berkeley
- Julie Code: American writer and popular science author
- Alex Code: American video game designer and entrepreneur
- Devin Code: British producer and DJ
- Dan Code: American musician and singer-songwriter
- Seth Code: American sportswriter and author
- Gail Code: British film director and screenwriter