Surname Cardwell - Meaning and Origin

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U. Cardwell

Cardwell: What does the surname Cardwell mean?

Cardwell is an English last name that is believed to have been derived from the place name of Cardwell in Lancashire. The name itself might have originated from the Old English terms "cræt," meaning trickery or craft, and "wielle," meaning well or spring. So, potentially, the surname could mean "crafty well" or "tricky spring," possibly suggesting a well or spring with unpredictable or unsteady flow, or with water that was difficult to reach or extract. It could also refer to a place that was a focal point for trickery or cunning acts. It is also suggested that the surname might have been given to someone residing near such a landmark. Like many surnames, Cardwell evolved overtime due to changes in language and dialect, taking on multiple variations including Cardell, Cardwelle, Cardwill, and others. The name Cardwell in history has been associated with descendants who were often landowners or notable figures in society.

Cardwell: Where does the name Cardwell come from?

The surname Cardwell is of Anglo-Saxon origin and derives from the Old English words 'crida', which means 'dwelling or enclosure,' and 'wella', meaning 'spring or stream.' Hence, it refers to someone who lived near a well or a spring in an enclosure or a small settlement. The name is believed to have originated from the village of Cardwell in Lancashire, England.

This surname was first recorded in the early 13th century, and over time, Cardwells migrated to other parts of the world, primarily due to economic, political, or religious reasons. Today, it is prevalent in English-speaking countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. According to Forebears, as of 2014, the surname Cardwell was most common in the United States, followed by England and Australia. In the US, it was most frequently found in the states of Kentucky, Virginia, and Missouri. Recently, however, Cardwell's density is highest in Northern Ireland due to the significant population of Cardwells living there.

Variations of the surname Cardwell

The surname Cardwell originates from a place name in Lancashire, England and it means "stream where cress grows." The first recorded spelling of the family name was in 1201 as "Cherdewelle."

Variants of the surname Cardwell include Cardwill, Cardwall, Carduell, Cardewell, Carthwell, Cardwell.Whatley, and Cardwelle. Though these variants are less common, they have been recorded in various historical sources and are generally recognized as legitimate.

The surname has also been recorded with a double "ll" at the end, as in Cardwelle. This is especially common in older documents and in certain geographic regions.

Further variations may appear due to phonetic spellings from different parts of England or other English-speaking countries. For example, it could be rendered as Cardwel, Cardewel, or Kardwell in some places or times.

As for surnames of the same origin, it is sometimes hard to track them because of family marriages and name changes throughout history. However, the surname Corry can be connected to the Cardwell family, as the Cardwell baronets of Levens in the County of Westtrafford, (baronetcy created in 1801), bear alongside their own name that of Corry, a distinguished Irish name.

Famous people with the name Cardwell

• Anna Cardwell: She is an American actress best known for her appearances in the television series "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo".
• Boze Cardwell: He was an American football player who played defensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL.
• Eric Cardwell: A noted educational leader, Eric is the President of the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) in the United States.
• Betty Cardwell: She was a well-known personality in the broadcasting industry, especially for her work with BBC Northern Ireland.
• Avril "Kim" Cardwell: A former Irish cricketer who played as a right-handed batter and right-arm medium pace bowler.
• Nate Cardwell: Lead pastor of the Oak Ridge Baptist Church is also known as a motivational speaker.
• Dexter Cardwell: He was an influential African American entrepreneur in the soul food industry.
• Rob Cardwell: A well-known journalist and news anchor for the CBS 6 News in Richmond.
• Andy Cardwell: A popular name in the finance industry, recognized for his Cardwell RSI Edge methodology.
• John Cardwell: A 19th-century British politician and statesman who served as Secretary of State for War and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

Other surnames

Cardwel