Surname Cornell - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'C'
A Journey into the Past: Rediscovering the Cornell Surname Through iGENEA DNA Test
After stepping into the depths of my past via an iGENEA DNA test, my understanding of my family identity and the significance of the Cornell surname were drastically impacted. Discovering roots in unexpected corners of the world added new dimensions to my perception of my heritage, filling me with renewed curiosity about my ancestors and the history that shaped them.
R. Cornell
read moreCornell: What does the surname Cornell mean?
The surname Cornell is of English origin and is derived from the old Norse personal name, "Kornelius," which means "horn." Alternatively, it can also be derived from the Old French word "corneille" or "cornell," which translates to "crow." Thus, the name could have been initially a nickname for someone who possesses characteristics similar to a crow, such as having dark hair or a sharp voice. Over time, it evolved to become a family name passed down through generations. It's also worth noting, many surnames were associated with professions; hence, Cornell might have been used to denote someone associated with the bird trade. The name is widely known in the United States because of Cornell University, named after its founder, Ezra Cornell.
Order DNA origin analysisCornell: Where does the name Cornell come from?
The last name Cornell is of Anglo-Saxon origin that originated from the personal name Cornelius, a popular name in the Roman Empire era. The name “Cornell” mostly signifies 'horn' (corne) or a person who lived at a corner property. It first surfaced in the county of Cambridgeshire in England, where the Cornell family held a family seat from very ancient times.
In the Middle Ages, it became customary for surnames to be assumed to distinguish between individuals with the same name. The surname Cornell was first found in Devon, England, and over time, it spread to other parts of the UK, and eventually to other countries across the globe.
Today, it is common in English-speaking countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. It's particularly prevalent in the United States due to early settlers such as Thomas Cornell, who arrived in Boston in 1638. There is also a prestigious Ivy League research university, Cornell University, in the U.S, which significantly contributes to the surname's familiarity.
Variations of the surname Cornell
The surname Cornell has significant variation in spelling and alternate surnames. These spellings might have occurred because of various reasons including regional and dialect differences, phonetic respellings, translation, or even errors in recording. Some of the common variants of Cornell include Cornelle, Cornall, Cornill, Cornely, Cornelli, and Cournell. The exact distribution of these variants is difficult to determine due to historical and migratory factors.
Furthermore, surnames such as Cornwell, Cornfield, and Corneille may also have connections to the Cornell lineage, arising due to geographical or occupational factors. For instance, "Cornwell" may originate from a place name in England, and this family could have possibly intermingled or held similar origins with the Cornells. Additionally, anglicized forms of European names like "Kornell" or "Kornelis" may also be related. It's important to note that the usage and prevalence of these variants and related surnames can still change based on geographical location and cultural context.
In-depth genealogical research would be necessary to determine the complete list of variant spellings and potentially related surnames for Cornell. The above-mentioned are merely conjectures and possibilities and should not be considered definitive without comprehensive research.
Famous people with the name Cornell
- Chris Cornell: An American musician best known as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the bands Soundgarden and Audioslave. Recipient of a Grammy Award, his career spanned over three decades.
- Bill Cornell: An Australian Olympic athlete who competed in the 1956 Summer Olympics.
- Sarah Cornell: A 19th-century factory weaver whose murder case was widely covered in the U.S.
- Ezra Cornell: Co-founder of Western Union and founder of Cornell University, an Ivy League institution in Ithaca, New York.
- Paul Cornell: A British writer known for his work in television drama, comics and prose, such as his work for 'Doctor Who'.
- Joseph Cornell: An American artist and film maker, one of the pioneers of assemblage (a form of sculpture comprising "found" objects arranged in such a way that they create a piece), he is known for his shadow boxes.
- Kate Cornell: A British writer specializing in psychological crime thrillers.
- Lance Cornell: An American professional football player.
- Tom Cornell: An American Roman Catholic Worker and social activist often associated with Dorothy Day.
- Eric Allin Cornell: A physicist who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2001.