Origin & Meaning of the Cardwell Surname
What does the last name Cardwell mean?
The surname Cardwell carries the meaning "From a spring or stream." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 11,791 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Cardwell ranks as the #3,037 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Cardwell come from?
The Cardwell surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Cardwell name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Cardwell trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Cardwell |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a spring or stream |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,037 |
| US Count (2010) | 11,791 |
| Per 100K People | 4.0 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Cardwell
According to the US Census, the Cardwell surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 11,791 Americans with the Cardwell last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 82.0% |
| Black | 12.39% |
| Hispanic | 2.45% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.38% |
| Native American | 0.67% |
| Two or More Races | 2.1% |
Popularity of Cardwell Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Cardwell surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Cardwell surname increased by 341 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Cardwell Family
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- ✓ The Cardwell coat of arms & heraldry
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Similar Surnames to Cardwell
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Cardwell.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Cardwell.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cardwell
Top Surnames Starting with C
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter C, ranked by population.
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