Surname Cordwell - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'C'
Cordwell: What does the surname Cordwell mean?
The surname Cordwell appears to be of English origin, although its exact roots and meaning are difficult to trace definitively. One interpretation suggests that it may be derived from the Old English words 'cweorn', meaning a mill or grinding stone, and 'wella', meaning a spring or stream. Therefore, Cordwell could mean 'a stream where a mill is located' or 'mill stream', perhaps indicating that the original bearers of the name lived near or worked at such a location.
However, it's essential to note that many English surnames have evolved over centuries and may have been influenced by various periods, languages, and regional dialects. Therefore, without concrete historical records pertaining to the name Cordwell, its exact meaning and origin remain speculative. It's always worthwhile looking into specific family records and regional histories for a more accurate understanding of personal lineage and surname meaning.
Order DNA origin analysisCordwell: Where does the name Cordwell come from?
The surname Cordwell is of English origin and is primarily found in the United Kingdom. It traces back to the medieval period and is believed to be locational, derived from a place name. It's common for British surnames to originate from local geographic or topographic features. The closest match is a place in Northumberland known as Cardewell, a name formed from the Old Norse words 'ker' meaning 'marsh' and 'kelda' meaning 'spring'.
The majority of people with the last name Cordwell currently live in England, mostly concentrated in regions around Manchester, Liverpool, and London. The surname is relatively rare even in the UK, however, so it is not particularly prevalent in any specific region. There may also be smaller groups of people with the Cordwell surname in other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Australia, and Canada due to emigration over the centuries.
Variations of the surname Cordwell
The surname Cordwell might be a variant of many other British surnames from various regions of the United Kingdom. Some common variants and similar surnames include Cadwell, Cardwell, Caldwall, Caldewell, Cordwal, Cordwill, and Cordwall. However, surnames are often derived from geographical locations, occupations, or even personal attributes; it is also possible that Cordwell originated from these factors.
The surname may also have faced changes in spelling due to phonetic spellings and regional accents. Other variations in spelling may include Kordwell, Cordwelle or Cordewell.
Also, in some cases, the surname may have been slightly altered due to immigration and the need of adjusting to a new language, hence resulting in various anglicized versions of the surname as well.
One must remember that surname origins can be multiple and even a small change in spelling can link the surname to a different origin. While these mentioned here are possibly linked to Cordwell, detailed genealogical research would give a more accurate set of variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin.
Famous people with the name Cordwell
- Henry Cordwell (1850–1917), Englishman who was a historian, antiquarian, and collector.
- John Cordwell (1810–1872), American legislator from Kentucky.
- Sarah Cordwell (1810–1885), American slave and later landowner in Maryland.
- Kate Cordwell (b. 1946), American photographer, media artist, and graphic designer.
- William Cordwell (1846–1880), English cricketeer who represented Sussex and Middlesex.
- Richard Cordwell (1725–1772), English explorer and navigator.
- Emma Cordwell (1831–1893), English painter and aynsley ceramic artist.
- Larry Cordwell (b. 1957), American electric blues guitarist and singer.
- Annie Cordwell (1862–1931), American operatic soprano born in Virginia.
- Helen Cordwell (b. 1967), Australian Paralympic track cyclist.