Last Name Cordon

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Cordon

The meaning and origin of the last name Cordon

The surname "Cordon" is of French origin, derived from the occupational name for a cordwainer, which is a person who makes or sells shoes and leather goods. The term 'cordon' itself means a cord or rope in French. In medieval times, the occupation-based names like Cordon were common throughout Europe as a way to identify people by their professions. Over time, as the profession was passed down through generations, these surnames became hereditary. Today, Cordon is a widely dispersed surname across various countries, particularly in France and Spain, but also in other parts of the world due to historical migration patterns.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cordon

The surname Cordon has a broad yet concentrated geographical distribution, primarily in Spain and France. In Spain, it is particularly common in the regions of Castile-Leon, Andalusia, and Catalonia. The highest concentration can be found in the provinces of Burgos, Cordoba, and Barcelona, respectively. In France, the name Cordon is most prevalent in Brittany, Normandy, and Lorraine. Beyond Europe, significant populations of individuals with this surname can also be found in Latin America, particularly in countries like Argentina, Chile, and Mexico, due to historical Spanish immigration. Smaller groups are dispersed across other parts of the world, primarily in North America, as a result of migration from Spain and France over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cordon

The surname Cordon has several variations and spellings worldwide. Some common spelling variants include Cordeau, Cordier, Corneau, Cordones, Cordeiro, Cordone, Cordonnet, Cordón, Kordón, and Korčon among others. These variations may appear due to differences in language, regional dialects, or historical influences. It is essential to note that the correct spelling of a name can depend on its origin; for instance, Cordier is more common in French-speaking regions, while Cordon is prevalent in Spanish and English-speaking countries. Moreover, it may also be influenced by factors such as migration patterns, cultural assimilation, or phonetic adaptations over time. These variations serve as a testament to the dynamic nature of family names throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Cordon

Notable individuals sharing the surname "Cordon" include Julia Child, an American chef, author, and television personality who is best known for her groundbreaking PBS series Mastering the Art of French Cooking; Pierre-Auguste Renoir, a prominent French artist who was a founding member of the Impressionist movement; Jean Cordon, a Canadian ice hockey player who played for the Montreal Canadiens in the National Hockey League during the 1950s and 1960s, winning four Stanley Cup championships; and Marcelo Cordon, a Brazilian professional footballer who has played for clubs such as Corinthians, São Paulo, and Atlético Mineiro in Brazil, as well as Porto and Benfica in Portugal. These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields of culinary arts, visual arts, sports, and entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Cordon

The surname Cordon originates from various European regions, with its earliest documented appearances tracing back to Spain and France. In Spain, it is a diminutive form of the given name Cordón, derived from the Latin corde, meaning "cord." It was often used as a nickname for someone who wore a cord around their waist or neck. The French version of the surname, Cordon, is associated with several localities in France, such as Corbon and Corbon-sur-Calonne.

In the context of genealogical research, some notable figures bearing the Cordon name include Juan de Cordon, a Spanish conquistador who participated in the conquest of Peru under Francisco Pizarro, and Jacques de Corbon, a French nobleman who fought in the Hundred Years' War. The surname also holds a significant presence in the Basque Country, where it is often associated with the local patronymic system, denoting kinship through the male line.

In modern times, descendants of the Cordon family can be found across the globe, particularly in countries with historical ties to Spain and France, such as Argentina, the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Genealogical research into this surname offers a fascinating exploration of European history, as well as an opportunity to trace the dispersal of families across continents.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cordon"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 10 June 2025

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