Surname Cords - Meaning and Origin
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Cords: What does the surname Cords mean?
The last name Cords is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word "cord," which is related to the Middle English word "corde." This word was used to refer to rope or cords in various contexts, including the binding of prisoners or the supporting of a framework for a ship. It was also used to refer to a short string or thong used to carry things.
The use of the surname Cord may have come about as either an occupational name, given to someone who made, used, or worked with rope or other cordage, or as a locational name, given to someone from a place named Cord or Corde. It may also be given as a simplified form of the surname Cordell, or derived from the Greek name Kardos.
In addition to being used as a surname, Cords has also been adopted as a given name. It is often considered to suggest strength and perseverance, an appropriate attribute for a family whose name literally means “cords”. In modern times, the last name Cords may be most commonly found in North America, the British Isles, and Europe.
Order DNA origin analysisCords: Where does the name Cords come from?
The last name Cords is most commonly found in Germany, where it is the 160th most popular surname. The name appears to have originated in Germany, and is derived from the Middle German verb "korden," which means "to forge." The name was likely first adopted by metal smiths and other craftsmen who worked with metal.
The name can still be found in many parts of Germany today, including cities such as Hamburg, Berlin, and Munich. In most of these regions it is still among the most common surnames. The name can also be found in other Germanic regions, including Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Belgium.
In the United States, the last name Cords originated with German immigrants, and it is still present in many parts of the country. The name is especially common in states where there is a large German-American population, such as Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania. There are also many Cords families living in states such as Texas, California, and Colorado.
Overall, the last name Cords is quite common throughout Germany, and many parts of the United States as well. It is a testament to the rich history of German immigration to the United States, and is a reminder of a once-prevalent craftsmanship.
Variations of the surname Cords
The surname Cords can be spelled in a variety of ways and is known by many variants and surnames of the same origin. One such variant is Cordes, which is the German version of the original surname. Another variant is Cordier, which can be an Italian or French incarnation of the surname. Typically, Cordies is derived from the Middle French “corde,” meaning “string or thread” or “corduroy fabric.”
One other surname of the same origin is Cordesman. This version of the surname is either a variation of Cordes or derived from “cordon,” meaning “a lace or ribbon used to secure or decorate clothing worn in special occasions.” Similarly, Cordierman is another variation of Cordier.
Yet another version of the surname Cords is Czarnecki, which is derived from the Polish "czar," meaning "deer." However, since deer is an animal commonly hunted in Poland, the root word for this surname could instead mean "hunter."
The Dutch variant of Cords is Cordesen, while the Danish version is Cordesen. Furthermore, Cordesson is the Swedish version of the surname.
In Spain, Cords can be spelled Cordoba, while in Ireland it can be spelt Corduff.
Finally, Cordle is an English version of the surname, though it is not as common as Cordes, Cordier, and Cordesman.
Famous people with the name Cords
- Tim Cords: German actor, comedian and television presenter.
- Amy Cords: American actress, known for roles in Nurse Jackie, Room 104 and more.
- Darin Cords: American heavy metal guitarist and founding member of Metallica.
- Emmy Cords: Dutch rock singer, songwriter and record producer.
- Hans Cords: German physicist and professor emeritus at the University of Cologne.
- John Cords: American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer.
- Josh Cords: American professional ice hockey player and the current captain of the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League (NHL).
- Laura Cords: Australian mezzo-soprano and opera singer.
- Mark Cords: American former professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
- Peter Cords: German ski jumper, former national champion and Olympic bronze medalist.