Surname Corns - Meaning and Origin
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Corns: What does the surname Corns mean?
The surname Corns is of English origin and is derived from the old English word "corn", which refers to a small particle or grain. This surname might have been given to someone who worked with grain or corn, perhaps a miller or a farmer, as occupational surnames were common during the Middle Ages. Alternatively, it could also be a topographic name for someone who lived near a field of grain or corn. It is also possible that Corns is a patronymic surname, referring to the son of a person named Corn. There are various families with the surname Corns in England, particularly in counties like Yorkshire and Lancashire. It is important to remember that surnames often have multiple possible meanings and origins and their original meaning might have changed or evolved over the centuries. The surname Corns is relatively rare and can be a valuable source of information about the family history and lineage.
Order DNA origin analysisCorns: Where does the name Corns come from?
The surname Corns is of English origin, deriving from the Middle English word "corn" which referred to a grain or the small hard seed from a cereal plant. The name was most likely used initially as a metonymic occupational name for a grower or seller of grain. It is also possible that it may have originated as a topographic name for someone living by a cornfield.
The name may have also derived from the Old English "Corn", a personal name found in Old English charters as far back as the 8th and 9th centuries implying its use as a first name before becoming a surname.
In terms of distribution, the Corns surname is not very common. According to Forebears, it was most prevalent in the United States in 2014. It also had a significant presence in England, notably in the West Midlands. The data from Ancestry.com supports this, noting the highest densities of the Corns surname in the U.S, England, and to a lesser extent, Australia and Canada. It is worth noting that these references give a general guide but the name's prevalence can change over time due to population shifts.
Variations of the surname Corns
The surname Corns seems to have several variations and similar origins. Some recorded variations include Corn, Cornes, Corne, Cornis, and Cornishe. The surnames Curnow and Korn may be related due to phonetic similarities.
There are suggestions that Corns may link to an English nickname for a small person or a term of endearment, deriving from the Old English word ‘corn’ meaning grain, small seed, or particle. Some believe it might be a derivative of the given name Cornelius.
Another plausible explanation is that it's a locative name, from places named with the "corn" root like Cornhill in London or Cornwall in England.
In some European non-English speaking countries, it might also be related to the word 'korn' meaning grain in German.
In the United States, it's commonly found in Ohio, West Virginia, and Indiana.
Apart from the English-speaking world, variations of the surname can be found, for instance, Corné, Cornet, and Le Cornu in French or Corna, Corni, and Corno in Italian. But they would have different origins related to their respective languages.
It's important to note that the spelling and variations can also significantly change due to regional dialects and pronunciation.
Famous people with the name Corns
- Mandy Corns: British scientist and television presenter
- Barbara Ann Corns: British anthropologist and archaeologist
- Neil Corns: English professional footballer
- Abbie Corns: American professional basketball player
- Emma Corns: English actress
- Michael Corns: British architect and designer
- Steve Corns: Australian singer-songwriter
- Tommy Corns: English comedian and writer
- Stephen Corns: British service executive
- Charlotte Corns: British art historian