Coverdale

Coverdale is a surname of English origin that derives from a locational name linked to several places in rural England, in particular Coverdale, a picturesque valley in the Yorkshire Dales. The name is believed to have originated from the Old Norse words "kofri" meaning 'a hut' and "dalr" meaning 'a valley', suggesting a place where huts were once found.

Origins and History

The Coverdale surname can be traced back to at least the Middle Ages, with records showing its presence in various parts of England, particularly in the northern regions. The name likely spread as families moved and settled in different areas over the centuries.

Notable Bearers

  • Miles Coverdale (1488-1569): A prominent English Bible translator and clergyman who played a significant role in the Protestant Reformation. Coverdale is known for producing the first complete printed English Bible as well as for his various translations of religious texts.
  • Jack Coverdale (b. 1980): A contemporary artist known for his abstract paintings that explore themes of nature and urban landscapes. Coverdale's work has been exhibited in galleries across the UK and internationally.

While the surname Coverdale may not be as common as some other English surnames, its historical ties to the Yorkshire Dales and the notable individuals associated with it have contributed to its enduring legacy in British history.

There are approximately 1,522 people named Coverdale in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,293rd most common surname in Britain. Around 23 in a million people in Britain are named Coverdale.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Philip
  • Stephen

Female

  • Alison
  • Anna
  • Carole
  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Jacqueline
  • Jane
  • Janet
  • Jennifer
  • Judith
  • Margaret
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Tracey

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.