Last Name Corday

Learn more about the origin of the last name Corday

The meaning and origin of the last name Corday

Corday is a French surname that originated from the Old French personal name ‘Corday’, which is derived from the Latin word ‘quartarius’, meaning fourth-born. It is believed that the surname may have been originally used to denote a child who was the fourth-born in a family. The name may also have been a nickname for a person who was considered lucky or fortunate. The surname Corday is most commonly found in France, particularly in the regions of Normandy and Brittany. The famous historical figure Charlotte Corday, who assassinated the French revolutionary leader Jean-Paul Marat in 1793, is a notable bearer of this surname. Today, the surname Corday is relatively rare and is often found among individuals of French descent in various parts of the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Corday

The surname Corday is believed to have originated from France, particularly in the Normandy region. Today, it is most commonly found in countries with French influence such as France, Canada, Haiti, and the United States. Within the United States, the distribution of the name Corday is relatively sparse, with concentrations found in states like Louisiana, California, and New York. This geographic distribution suggests that individuals with the last name Corday may have French ancestry or have ancestors who emigrated from France to different parts of the world. Overall, the surname Corday is a relatively uncommon name with a limited presence in various regions around the world, highlighting its French origins and the migration patterns of individuals bearing this surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Corday

Corday is a French surname that may have variations in spelling such as Cordai, Cordé, Cordée, Chorday, and Chordey. The name could also be spelled as Courday, Courdai, Courdei, or Courdé. Additionally, some variations of the last name Corday may include Cordey, Cordaiy, Cordaae, or Cordéé. These different spellings may have resulted from variations in pronunciation over time or from regional differences in the use of certain letters or accents. Despite the various spellings and slight differences in pronunciation, all these variations ultimately trace back to the original French surname, Corday. This name may have originated as a locational surname for individuals from a place named Corday or have been derived from a personal name or occupation.

Famous people with the last name Corday

Charlotte Corday was a famous figure in French history, known for her assassination of revolutionary leader Jean-Paul Marat during the French Revolution in 1793. Her act of political violence made her a controversial and polarizing figure, with some viewing her as a heroic patriot standing up against tyranny, while others saw her as a cold-blooded assassin. Despite her actions, Corday remains a significant historical figure, with her likeness appearing in numerous paintings, plays, and other forms of media. Her legacy continues to be debated and examined by historians and scholars, with many seeing her as a complex and enigmatic figure who played a pivotal role in the tumultuous events of the French Revolution.

Genealogical research on the last name Corday

The surname Corday is of French origin and is believed to be derived from the Old French personal name Cordey. The name is thought to have originated in the region of northern France and has been found in various documents dating back to the 13th century. One of the most famous individuals with the surname Corday is Charlotte Corday, a French revolutionary who assassinated Jean-Paul Marat during the French Revolution in 1793. The Corday family has been associated with nobility and high social status throughout history, with many notable individuals bearing the surname. Today, the surname Corday can be found in various countries around the world, with a strong presence in France, the United States, and Canada. Genealogical research on the Corday family may reveal interesting connections to historical figures and significant events in European history.