Origin & Meaning of the Cornell Surname
What does the last name Cornell mean?
The surname Cornell carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 21,558 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Cornell ranks as the #1,672 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Cornell come from?
The Cornell surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European 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 Cornell name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Cornell trace back to European. 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 | Cornell |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,672 |
| US Count (2010) | 21,558 |
| Per 100K People | 7.31 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Cornell
According to the US Census, the Cornell surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 21,558 Americans with the Cornell last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 88.57% |
| Black | 5.12% |
| Hispanic | 2.82% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.96% |
| Native American | 0.67% |
| Two or More Races | 1.87% |
Popularity of Cornell Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Cornell surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Cornell surname increased by 498 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Cornell
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Cornell.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Cornell.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cornell
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