Cowdrey

Origin and Meaning

The surname Cowdrey is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Cuthhere," which combines the elements "cuth," meaning famous, and "here," meaning army. The name originated as a patronymic, indicating "son of Cuthhere."

Distribution and History

The surname Cowdrey is primarily found in the southern counties of England, with Kent being a significant area of concentration. The Cowdrey family has a notable history, with records indicating their presence in the region for many centuries.

Notable Individuals

The Cowdrey family has produced several notable individuals, including:

Sir Alexander Cowdrey (1918-2004) - An esteemed British diplomat, Sir Alexander served in various diplomatic positions across the globe, representing the United Kingdom with distinction.

Colin Cowdrey, Baron Cowdrey of Tonbridge (1933-2000) - A renowned cricketer who played for the England national team, Colin Cowdrey was regarded as one of the finest batsmen of his era, achieving numerous records and accolades during his career.

Variants and Derivatives

Variants of the surname Cowdrey include Cowdry, Coudrey, and Coudrie. Over time, variations in spelling have arisen due to factors such as phonetic changes and regional dialects.

In conclusion, the surname Cowdrey holds a rich history, with notable individuals contributing to fields such as diplomacy and sports. The name's Anglo-Saxon origins and enduring presence in England underscore its significance within British heritage and genealogy.

There are approximately 686 people named Cowdrey in the UK. That makes it roughly the 9,844th most common surname in Britain. Around 11 in a million people in Britain are named Cowdrey.

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

  • Alan
  • Anthony
  • Christopher
  • David
  • John
  • Mark
  • Matthew
  • Michael
  • Philip
  • Robert
  • Stuart

Female

  • Christel
  • Donna
  • Elizabeth
  • Gillian
  • Helen
  • Jacqueline
  • Jennifer
  • Lisa
  • Marjorie
  • Michelle
  • Samantha
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

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

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