CORNWALLIS
Cornwallis
Origin and Meaning: Cornwallis is an English surname derived from a habitational name for persons from locations such as Cornwall or Cornwallis in England.
History: The surname Cornwallis has ancient origins dating back to medieval England. The name is historically associated with Sir Charles Cornwallis, a British military officer who served during the American Revolutionary War. Another notable figure with this surname is Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquess Cornwallis, who was a British Army officer and colonial administrator.
Distribution: The Cornwallis surname is primarily found in the United Kingdom, with concentrations in regions such as Cornwall, Kent, and London. It has also been documented in former British colonies and the United States.
Variants: Variants of the Cornwallis surname include Cornwaleys, Cornwaleis, and Cornwalleys.
Notable Individuals:
- Sir Charles Cornwallis (1738–1805) – British Army officer, known for his role in the American Revolutionary War.
- Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquess Cornwallis (1738–1805) – British Army officer and colonial administrator in India.
- Elizabeth Cornwallis (1573–1630) – English noblewoman and scholar known for her literary and religious works.
- Thomas Cornwallis (c. 1605–1675) – English poet and translator.
- Frederick Cornwallis (1713–1783) – Archbishop of Canterbury.
Legacy: The Cornwallis surname carries a legacy of military service, noble lineage, and historical significance. It remains a symbol of English heritage and history, with notable individuals having contributed to various fields over the centuries.
References:
- Reaney, P.H., & Wilson, R.M. (1995). A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge.
- Hanks, P., Hardcastle, K., & Hodges, F. (2006). A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
There are approximately 47 people named Cornwallis in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named Cornwallis.