Surname McCordy - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
McCordy: What does the surname McCordy mean?
The last name McCordy is an Anglicized version of the Gaelic surname MacCordaigh, meaning “son of Cordaigh” or “son of the Charioteer” in English. This surname originates from the Irish-Scottish border where it is most commonly found today.
The Mac prefix is a popular part of many Irish and Scottish surnames. It denotes that the surname starts with a patronymic, meaning it is derived from the given name of the father. It sets this surname apart from other surnames where the name is derived from a place or a trade.
Cordaigh is the given name of the father of the original bearer of the surname McCordy and is derived from the word, cairdeas, meaning “friendship”. Cordaigh is thought to be an old Irish given name, a variation of the name Cordell, the Latin version of the Irish name Cory.
The added suffix “aigh” indicates a diminutive form of the name; hence, a more affectionate version of the given name of the father. This, combined with the prefix “Mac” creates the surname Mc Cordy—literally, "son of the little charioteer."
The McCordy surname is historically associated with the Clan MacThomas, a Scottish-Irish clan from the Scottish Lowlands and the Irish Border region. The clan was known for their distinct culture, many of which are still practiced today, such as traditional music, dress, and stories.
The name McCordy is a strong reminder of a culture that has been passed down through generations. To this day, the name still follows the traditional Gaelic language and naming conventions, tying the family together through the legacy of their patriarch and his loving nickname, “The Little Charioteer.”
Order DNA origin analysisMcCordy: Where does the name McCordy come from?
The last name McCordy is primarily found in the United States and Canada, with notable concentrations in the Midwest and West Coast. Most of the individuals with the surname are of Irish descent, a legacy of the 19th century emigration period from Ireland.
In the United States, the highest population of McCordys is in California, with slightly higher numbers in Texas, Kansas, Minnesota, and North Carolina. Other states with relatively high concentrations of individuals with the surname include Washington, Arizona, Oregon, Missouri, Kentucky, New York, and Pennsylvania.
In Canada, the surname is most commonly found in British Columbia and Alberta, particularly in large cities such as Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton. It is also found in provinces such as Ontario and Nova Scotia, indicating a spread of individuals with the surname across the generations.
The McCordy family has a long-standing presence in the US and Canada, and it is likely to remain that way for years to come. Despite its Irish roots, the surname McCordy continues to be embraced in the US and Canada, and many individuals today proudly bear it.
Variations of the surname McCordy
The surname "McCordy" is a variation of the Irish surname "Mac Cotter," which is derived from the personal name "Catach," which means “son of battle.” The various spellings and surnames of this origin include "McCordy," "McCorty," "MacCordy," "McCurdy," "McCordey," "McCirdy," "Cordy," "Cordey," "Curdy," and "Cirdy."
The spelling “McCordy” originated in Scotland in the mid-12th century and is the most commonly used spelling of this surname. This spelling is found primarily in counties like Leitrim, Fermanagh, Mayo, and Tyrone; however, variants such as "McCorty," "MacCordy," and "McCurdy" are more often found in other nearby counties.
The surname "Cordy" is a diminutive of “McCordy”; this spelling is typically found in the counties of Louth, Armagh, Monaghan, and Donegal. The spelling “Curdy” is sometimes found in counties such as Down and Derry, and “Cordey” is a frequent variation found in Ulster.
Other variants of the surname include "McCirdy," which is found mainly in counties such as Dublin and Cavan, and "Cirdy," which is most commonly found in the counties of Cork and Kerry.
The name "McCordy" can also be found in the United States, primarily in the states of New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. In the past, immigrants primarily from Scotland, Ireland, and England, brought this name across the Atlantic as they settled in North America.
Overall, the surname "McCordy" has many variants and spellings, which have all originated from the Irish name "Mac Cotter." This surname can be found in Scotland, Ireland, England, and the United States; it is commonly used in Ulster, Leitrim, and Fermanagh, as well as in North America.
Famous people with the name McCordy
- Megyn McCordy: A former model turned actress who is best known for her role as Madison Sinclair in the American dramedy series "3rd Rock from the Sun."
- Scott McCordy: A multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter who performed lead vocals with several well-known musical acts, including Billy Bragg's band Red Sky Coven and the 90s alternative rock band Deadeye Dick.
- Kiki McCordy: An American film and TV actress who has appeared in numerous films, including the cult classic "Heathers."
- Sean McCordy: An American actor best known for his roles in "Slow Burn" and the TV series "Saving Grace."
- Paul McCordy: An American country singer and songwriter best known for such hits as "Better off Alone" and "I Need You Now."
- Scott McCordy, Jr.: A former professional soccer player who played for the American National Team, the Colorado Rapids Soccer Club, and the San Jose Earthquakes.
- Steve McCordy: An American composer, designer, and multimedia producer best known for his work on TV shows such as "Saturday Night Live" and movies such as "Bolt."
- Tony McCordy: An American filmmaker best known for his work in the documentary genre, including the Academy Award nominated "The Trials of Muhammad Ali."
- Sarah McCordy: An actress best known for her roles in the Disney Channel Original Movie "Ready to Run" and the ABC Family sitcom "Cougar Town."
- Peter McCordy: A multi-instrumentalist and performer best known for his work on the classic Styx album "The Grand Illusion."