Surname Corr - Meaning and Origin
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Corr: What does the surname Corr mean?
The last name Corr is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic term 'coir', meaning 'spear'. It is considered an anglicised form of the old Gaelic name 'O'Corra'. In this context, the 'O' prefix indicates 'grandson of' or 'descendent of', while 'Corra' is a personal nickname possibly meaning 'spear' or 'javelin'. This implies that the original bearer of the name may have been a warrior or a particularly skilled spearman. Hence, this last name has connotations of strength and skill in battle. It is also spread across Ireland, with higher concentrations in counties Donegal and Monaghan. Many Irish names were anglicized during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries due to social and political pressures, hence the transformation from 'O'Corra' to 'Corr'.
Order DNA origin analysisCorr: Where does the name Corr come from?
The surname Corr has Irish origins, specifically derived from the Gaelic "O Corra." The Corra family was known to be a sept (or clan) belonging to County Fermanagh on the western side of Northern Ireland. The Gaelic word “corra” signifies a spear, indicating that the clan was known for their spear-wielding prowess or could refer to a personal characteristic of the original bearers.
The name has various variations such as Cor, Corr, O’Corr, Core, Coore, Corry, and Curry. The Irish are known for migrating in large numbers, and due to this, versions of the surname are now found across Europe and America. However, despite spread due to the diaspora, the name is most common in Ireland, particularly the northern regions, aligning with its historical origin. In addition, it is also relatively popular in the United States and Great Britain, particularly in areas with sizeable Irish immigrant communities.
The Corr family motto is "In fide et in bello fortis," which translates to "Strong in faith and in war."
Variations of the surname Corr
The surname Corr originates from Ireland and is derived from the Gaelic name "Ó Corra" which translates as "descendant of Corra." Corra is a personal name that could mean 'spear' or 'weir.' Over time, due to spelling variations and geographical adaptations, the surname has been modified and distinct variants have come into existence.
Variations of the name Corr include, but are not limited to: Cor, Corre, Kerr, Carr, Core, Coare, and Corrs. Also, it's observed that the names are sometimes prefixed by “O” or “Mac,” which are common in Irish surnames, indicating "descendant of" and "son of" respectively. So, O'Corr or McCorr could be possible variations.
Consideration should also be given to variants due to regional dialects, literacy levels and pronunciation differences, which could have led to further alterations in the surname. These variants possibly exist in different countries, including Ireland, Scotland, and the US among others.
It's important to note that these variations might not always carry the same connotations or origins as the original name. The listed surname variations could have different genealogical origins when found in different communities. However, all of them have come to be accepted as versions or misspellings of the original surname Corr.
Famous people with the name Corr
- Andrea Corr: Irish singer, songwriter, and actress. She is best known as the lead vocalist of the pop-rock band, The Corrs.
- Caroline Corr: Irish singer and drummer for the band, The Corrs. Along with her siblings, she found considerable success with the band in the 90s and early 2000s.
- Sharon Corr: Irish singer and musician. She is a member of The Corrs, in which she primarily plays the violin and sings backing vocals.
- Jim Corr: Only male member of The Corrs. He plays the guitar and piano for the band.
- Matthew Corr: An accomplished Scottish footballer who played in the defunct third division for Queen's Park.
- Anthony Corr: Famous British footballer often known simply as "Tony." He's played as a midfielder for clubs likes Cambridge United and Histon.
- Ian Corr: Professor and expert in the field of Geography. Given his accomplishments in academia, he's sometimes referred to as Dr. Ian Corr.
- Barry Corr: Irish footballer who has played for Exeter City and Cambridge United, among other teams.