Cornwell — Last Name Origin & Meaning

English origin Rank #2,950 in the US 12,168 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#2,950
▼ Down 167 since 2000
People in the US
12,168
4.13 per 100K people
Origin
English
Old English

Origin & Meaning of the Cornwell Surname

What does the last name Cornwell mean?

The surname Cornwell 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 12,168 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Cornwell ranks as the #2,950 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Cornwell come from?

The Cornwell 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 Cornwell name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Cornwell 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.

English Old English

Quick Facts

Surname Cornwell
Meaning From a spring or stream
Origin English
Language Old English
US Rank (2010) #2,950
US Count (2010) 12,168
Per 100K People 4.13
First Letter C

Ethnic Distribution of Cornwell

According to the US Census, the Cornwell surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 12,168 Americans with the Cornwell last name.

White 90.33%
Black 5.14%
Hispanic 1.97%
Asian/PI 0.51%
Native American 0.39%
Two+ Races 1.66%
Ethnic distribution of the Cornwell surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White90.33%
Black5.14%
Hispanic1.97%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.51%
Native American0.39%
Two or More Races1.66%

Popularity of Cornwell Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Cornwell surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#2,783
11,893 people
Down 167
Census 2010
#2,950
12,168 people

The number of Americans with the Cornwell surname increased by 275 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Cornwell Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Cornwell ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Cornwell

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Cornwell.

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 Cornwell.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cornwell

The surname Cornwell is of English origin. From a spring or stream
The surname Cornwell is ranked #2,950 in the United States with approximately 12,168 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
From a spring or stream. The name has English roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Cornwell surname is distributed as: 90.3% White, 5.1% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Cornwell ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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