Last Name Cardinal

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Cardinal

Looking at the ethnic identity associated with the Cardinal surname, the data from the Decennial U.S. Census indicates changes over the decade from 2000 to 2010. While the majority of those with the Cardinal surname identified as White (94.07% in 2000 and 91.16% in 2010), there was a noticeable increase within the Hispanic demographic, from 1.69% in 2000 to 3.32% in 2010. The Asian/Pacific Islander group and American Indian and Alaskan Native group also saw increases in their percentages, while the Black group experienced a modest rise. Those identifying as Two or more races remained relatively stable over the decade.

	2000	2010	Change
White	94.07%	91.16%	-3.09%
Hispanic	1.69%	3.32%	96.45%
Two or More Races	1.4%	1.42%	1.43%
Asian/Pacific Islander	0.85%	1.4%	64.71%
Black	1.08%	1.38%	27.78%
American Indian and Alaskan Native	0.92%	1.33%	44.57%

Cardinal ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Cardinal is British & Irish, which comprises 40.9% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are French & German (30.8%) and Eastern European (8.1%). Additional ancestries include Italian, Scandinavian, Spanish & Portuguese, Indigenous American, and Levantine.

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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN	COMPOSITION
British & Irish	40.9%
French & German	30.8%
Eastern European	8.1%
Other	20.2%

Your maternal lineage may be linked to Marie Antoinette

Because it is so dominant in the general European population, haplogroup H also appears quite frequently in the continent's royal houses. Marie Antoinette, an Austrian Hapsburg who married into the French royal family, inherited the haplogroup from her maternal ancestors. So did Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, whose recorded genealogy traces his female line to Bavaria. Scientists also discovered that famed 16th century astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus traced his maternal lineages to haplogroup H.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cardinal

The meaning and origin of the last name Cardinal

The surname Cardinal is derived from the Latin term "cardinalis," meaning "principal" or "chief." Its origin can be traced back to the Middle Ages, where it commonly referred to a high-ranking official of the Roman Catholic Church, known as a cardinal. These cardinals played significant roles in ecclesiastical affairs and were considered among the most influential individuals within the Church hierarchy. Over time, the surname Cardinal expanded beyond its original meaning and became a hereditary family name. It is believed that some individuals adopted this surname due to their ancestral connection with cardinals or even their physical resemblance to these esteemed church officials. Today, the surname Cardinal can be found in various countries, especially those with a historical association with the Catholic Church. Overall, the surname Cardinal serves as a reminder of the important role played by cardinals in the religious and cultural history of many nations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cardinal

The last name "Cardinal" has a relatively wide geographical distribution. It is most commonly found in France, where it originated as a French surname. The name is derived from the word "cardinal," which refers to a high-ranking official in the Catholic Church. As expected, France has the highest concentration of individuals with this last name. However, the Cardinal name has also spread to various other regions around the world. It is notable in Canada, particularly in the province of Quebec, due to the historical influence of French settlers. Additionally, the United States has a significant number of individuals with the last name Cardinal, particularly in states with French heritage, such as Louisiana and Maine. Other countries where the name can be found include Belgium, Switzerland, and Haiti, reflecting the migration and diaspora of French-speaking populations. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Cardinal showcases its French origins while also indicating its spread to different corners of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cardinal

The last name Cardinal has various spellings and variations depending on regional and cultural influences. Some common variations include Cardinale, Cardenal, Cardinaux, Cardinales, and Cardnalli. These variations reflect the diverse origins and migrations of the Cardinal name. In Italy, Cardinale is a popular spelling, as the name has Italian roots. In France, the name is sometimes spelled Cardinaux or Cardinales, reflecting the French language. Cardenal, on the other hand, is a Spanish variation of the last name. Additionally, Cardnalli is a less common variation that could be influenced by other naming conventions or local dialects. The various spellings and variations highlight the way surnames can evolve and adapt over time, as families move across different regions and adopt different languages. Despite the spelling differences, all these variations ultimately refer to the same family name, which may have originated from a common ancestor.

Famous people with the last name Cardinal

There have been several famous individuals with the last name Cardinal who have made significant contributions in various fields. One notable figure is George Cardinal Pell, an Australian cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church who served as the Vatican's Secretariat for the Economy. Pell played a crucial role in improving financial transparency and reforming the Vatican's financial policies. Another well-known Cardinal was Joseph-Emmanuel Cardinal Suhard, a French clergyman who served as the Archbishop of Paris during World War II. He actively fought against antisemitism and protected Jewish children during the Holocaust. Jean-Guy Cardinal, a famous Quebec actor, is recognized for his remarkable performances in Canadian film and television. Lastly, Marie-Josée Cardinal was a renowned Quebecois writer and playwright who explored themes of mental illness and family dynamics in her works. These Cardinals have left enduring legacies in their respective fields, shaping society through their remarkable achievements.

Genealogical research on the last name Cardinal

The Cardinal surname can be traced back to France, where it originated in the early medieval period. The name is derived from the French word "cardinal," meaning "high-ranking church official." It is believed that the original bearers of this surname had connections to the Catholic Church, possibly serving as cardinals, bishops, or in other clergy positions. The Cardinal family spread across different regions of France over time, with descendants migrating to other countries during various historical events. Some Cardinal families settled in Canada during the French colonization in the 17th century, contributing to the development of French-Canadian communities. Today, the Cardinal surname can be found in various parts of the world, with concentrations in France, Canada, the United States, and other Francophone countries. Genealogical research on the Cardinal family may involve exploring church records, historical archives, and conducting DNA testing to uncover detailed ancestral connections and trace the lineage of this esteemed surname.