CORDES
Cordes is a surname of Germanic origin, with linguistic evidence suggesting several potential roots. The traditional derivation stems from the Middle High German word korte or kord, meaning “cord” or “rope”. This occupational surname would have been applied to individuals involved in the crafting or dealing of cords, or perhaps as a nickname for someone whose physical appearance resembled a cord or rope.
Other scholarly interpretations offer additional meanings. One proposes a link to the Latin cordis, translating to “heart”, which could imply that bearers of the name were perceived as having strong emotions or generous hearts. A further possibility is a derivation from the German korden, meaning “guidance” or “direction”, suggesting that early holders of the name may have been guides or leaders. Additionally, a variant in which the surname relates to the German Korf (basket) infers a connection to basket makers or traders.
Externally, the surname has alternative origins noted in French contexts. One French hypothesis identifies it as a dialectal variant of a metonymic occupational name for a maker of cord or string, or perhaps a habitual wearer of decorative ties and ribbons. It is derived from the Old French Corde, the Latin corda, and the Greek khorde, all signifying string. Another French theory posits the surname as a locational designation from places named in Orne, Bouce, and Montree, derived from the Gallo‑Roman personal name Cordus, meaning “young” or “new”.
The earliest documentary evidence attests to the name in England. In a 1182 entry in Abbott Samson's Kalender of Bury St. Edmunds, a witness named Walter Corde is recorded, during the reign of King Henry XI (1154‑1189). Later, in the mid‑sixteenth century, a record of Mary Cordy, infant daughter of Jonas Cordy, was christened on 26 January 1560 at St. Botolph's, Colchester, indicating a presence in Essex. The surname appears early in London and the surrounding county, with variants such as Corday, Cordee, Cordier, and Cordie documented.
In continental Europe, Cordes is predominantly found in Germany, ranking as the 58th most common surname nationwide. It is particularly frequent in North Rhine‑Westphalia, where it is the 33rd most common, and ranks seventh in the city of Düsseldorf. The name is also present in France (292nd), Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. In the United States, the surname is recorded, though less frequently, occupying the 17,304th position in the Social Security Administration's popularity list, with the highest concentrations in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. A medieval Latin document from the 11th century references a Fredericus de Cordes, suggesting an early Germanic origin.
The surname has several orthographic variants that have evolved over time, including Cordesz, Cordez, Cortes, Cortez, Cordero, Kordes, Kordesz, Kordez, and Kortes. Some of these arise from the Germanic surname Kurt, derived from the Middle High German kurtz (short or bold). While the exact meaning that contemporary bearers attach to the name may vary, the surname’s historical and occupational roots remain well documented.
Typical given names associated with the Cordes surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- Gary
- Glen
- James
- John
- Kevin
- Marlon
- Matthew
- Nicholas
- Paul
- Stephen
Female
- Alison
- Charlotte
- Colette
- Helen
- Jennifer
- Kathleen
- Kendall
- Linda
- Marion
- Mishel
- Sabina
- Sheila
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Carde
- Cardis
- Chord
- Card
- Cardes
- Cards
- Cardas
- Cardus
- Cardos
- Corde
- Cordea
- Cardess
- Coard
- Cord
- Cordas
- Cordeau
- Cordeaux
- Cordess
- Cordeux
- Cordew
- Cordey
- Cordez
- Cordice
- Cordie
- Cordis
- Cordise
- Cordiss
- Cordne
- Cordos
- Cords
- Cordts
- Cordukes
- Cores
- Cortes
- Courd
- Courtes
- Curds
- Korde
- Kordes
- Cardose
- Carrdus
- Carred
- Corda
- Corday
- Cordel
- Corden
- Corder
- Corders
- Cordi
- Cordle
- Cordo
- Cordsen
- Cordy
- Corts
- Curd
- Kord
- Kordas
- Kordos
- Kordus
- Kordys
- Caird
- Carradus
- Croudace
- Curtiss
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.
How to communicate the surname Cordes in...
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Morse
-.-.---.-.-......
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There are approximately 301 people named Cordes in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around five in a million people in Britain are named Cordes.
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Famous people named Cordes
- Thomas Cordes - Politician (1826 to 1901)
Names and descriptions courtesy of Wikipedia, and may contain errors. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of every famous person with this name.