What is the origin of the last name Codd?

The surname Codd is of English origin. It is derived from a nickname meaning "pot-bellied" or "round-bodied." This name was originally used as a descriptive term and later became a hereditary surname. The word "codd" in Middle English referred to a pot or kettle, and it also could have been used to describe someone who had a round or plump shape, similar to a pot. This nickname may have been given to someone who was large-bodied, or it could have originated from an occupational name for a potter or a cook who used pots frequently in their work. As with many surnames, the exact origin of Codd can vary depending on the specific family and region, but this is a common theory regarding its derivation.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Codd

The meaning and origin of the last name Codd

The surname Codd is of English origin, derived from various locations with the same name throughout England. These places are primarily found in Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Lancashire, Lincolnshire, Shropshire, Somerset, and Staffordshire. The name of these locations stems from the Old English 'codde', meaning 'swamp' or 'marshy meadow'. As a surname, Codd emerged as a topographic name for someone who lived in a swampy area or near a marshy meadow. Over time, it has become a common last name in England and is also found in North America due to English immigration. Variations of the name include Cadd, Code, Coad, Coad, and Codde.

Geographical distribution of the last name Codd

The surname Codd is primarily distributed across several countries, with significant concentrations in Ireland and England due to its historical origin from these regions. In Ireland, it's most common in counties such as Tipperary, Kilkenny, Limerick, and Waterford, reflecting the name's Gaelic roots. In England, it is predominantly found in the north, particularly in Yorkshire and Lancashire. The name has also spread to other English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, primarily due to migration from Ireland and England over the centuries. In the US, the highest densities of Codd families are found in states such as Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois.

Variants and spellings of the last name Codd

The surname Codd has several variants and spellings due to differences in transcription over time and across regions. Some common variations include Codde, Cood, Code, Coad, Coade, Kode, Kodd, and Coody. These variations can be found in English-speaking countries such as Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, and the United States. The name is thought to have originated from a nickname or occupation, potentially derived from the Old Norse word "kodr" meaning "misshapen," or from the Middle English word "codge," which referred to a type of wooden leg or staff used by beggars.

Famous people with the last name Codd

Edgar F. Codd is a notable figure with the surname Codd, best known for his significant contributions to the field of computer science and database management. As a British mathematician and computer scientist, he is credited with developing the Relational Model for Database Management, a framework that serves as the basis for modern database systems like Oracle and SQL Server. This model introduced key concepts such as relational algebra and calculus, which have become fundamental to database theory and design. Additionally, Codd formulated the Twelve Rules of Information Systems Integrity, providing principles to ensure data consistency and accuracy within a database system. His work has had a profound impact on the development of database technology, earning him recognition in the industry as one of its founding pioneers.

Genealogical research on the last name Codd

The Codd surname is of English origin and is believed to have derived from an occupational name for a maker or dealer in earthenware pots, derived from the Middle English word "cod(d)e," meaning pot. Early records show that the name was spelled variously as Codde, Cod and Codd during the 13th-14th centuries. One of the earliest known bearers of this surname was Thomas Codde, who lived in Suffolk in the year 1273. The Codd family migrated to North America in the 17th century, with settlers arriving in both Massachusetts and Virginia. Notable individuals bearing the name include Samuel Codd, a signer of the Mayflower Compact, and John Codd, a colonel during the American Revolutionary War. The Codd family is also associated with the development of the Codd-Neely House in Pennsylvania, which was built around 1740. Today, the surname Codd can be found primarily in the United States, with significant populations in New England and the Midwest.

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NomOrigine Team
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NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

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