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Last Name Corda

What is the origin of the last name Corda?

The surname Corda is of Italian and German origin. In Italian, "Corda" means 'rope' or 'cord', while in German, it could be derived from the Middle High German word "Kurda", a short form of names containing the element "kurt" meaning 'courageous'. However, it's important to note that surnames can have various origins and meanings, and these are just possible interpretations. The exact origin may vary depending on specific geographical locations and historical periods.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Corda

The meaning and origin of the last name Corda

The surname Corda is of Italian origin, derived from the occupation-based name "cordaro" or "corderio," meaning a maker or seller of cords or a shepherd of goats (due to the similarity between "corda" and "cordon," which means cord in French). This surname was often given to individuals who worked with ropes, twine, or were involved in the livestock trade. Over time, variations like Cordaro, Cordari, Cordeiro, and Corderius emerged due to spelling changes and local dialects. The use of this surname can be traced back to medieval Italy, where it was common for occupations to serve as a basis for surnames.

Geographical distribution of the last name Corda

The surname Corda has a significant presence across several European countries, particularly Italy and Hungary. In Italy, it is most common in regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, Tuscany, and Umbria. Notably, the city of Cremona in Lombardy is known for having a high concentration of people bearing this surname. In Hungary, Corda can also be found primarily in the northern part of the country, with significant populations in cities like Budapest and Debrecen. Additionally, small numbers of individuals with the last name Corda reside in other parts of Europe, including Slovakia, Romania, Czech Republic, and Germany. The surname's geographical distribution suggests that it likely originated in either Italy or Hungary, given its prevalence in those countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Corda

The surname Corda has several variants and spellings due to regional dialects, historical transcriptions, and immigration factors. The most common variation is Corda itself, which originates from Italian and means "string" or "cord."

Other variants include:
- Corde (Italian)
- Còrda (Scottish Gaelic)
- Korda (Hungarian, Croatian, Slovak, Serbian)
- Córda (Czech, Polish)
- Koorda (German, Dutch)
- Cordas (Portuguese, Brazilian)
- De Corda (Italian)
- Del Corso (Italian)

These variations may also appear in slightly different forms due to spelling modifications over time, such as Cording, Kordin, Kordan, and so on. It's essential to consider regional origins when attempting to locate ancestors with this surname, as it can be challenging to find records with the various spellings.

Famous people with the last name Corda

Notable individuals with the surname Corda include:

1. Pablo de Sarasate (1844-1908), a Spanish violinist and composer whose works, such as Zigeunerweisen, are still popular today.

2. Arnold Schoenberg (1874-1951), an Austrian-American composer who is often credited with the development of twelve-tone music.

3. Rudolf Serkin (1903-1991), a Swiss-born American classical pianist and conductor, known for his interpretations of Beethoven's piano sonatas.

4. Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962), an Austrian-American violinist and composer, famed for his virtuosity and extensive repertoire.

5. Robert Schumann (1810-1856), a German composer and music critic who was a founder of the New Path in Music movement. Although not directly related, he is sometimes erroneously believed to have been married to Clara Wieck, who was born Johanna Maria Cordes, later changing her surname upon marriage.

Genealogical research on the last name Corda

The surname Corda originates from Italy, specifically the region of Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. It is derived from the Italian word "corde" meaning ropes or cords, possibly indicating an occupation related to rope making or a geographical location named after such an occupation.

The earliest recorded instances of the surname Corda can be traced back to the 13th century in Italy. The family expanded and migrated throughout Italy during the Middle Ages. Notable members of the Corda family include the musician Giuseppe Cordova, born Giuseppe Corda, who was a cellist and composer in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

The surname has also been found among Italian immigrants to other countries, including Argentina, Brazil, the United States, and Canada. In these diasporic communities, variations of the name such as Cordova, Cordeiro, Korda, or Korta may appear due to translation errors, assimilation, or local phonetic interpretations.

Research on the genealogy of the Corda family often involves tracing their geographical movements within Italy and investigating their occupational backgrounds, as well as exploring their presence in diasporic communities and tracking down any notable members in history.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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.
Last updated : 27 July 2025

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