Surname Coverdell - Meaning and Origin

Coverdell: What does the surname Coverdell mean?

The last name Coverdell is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from several different sources. The name Coverdell is most likely derived from the Old English word ‘covere’ meaning ‘enclosure’ or ‘protection’. Other sources suggest it is derived from a Norman French source, related to the name ‘Courtezeel’, which means ‘little courteous one’. It is also possible that it is derived from an old Scandinavian word, ‘korsDistel’ meaning ‘cross thistle’, which would have been a sign of protection and safety.

Coverdell is an uncommon last name, where it can be found scattered around the UK, most commonly featuring in East Anglia, where some of the earliest references can be found. The name has also been spelled in various ways, as seen in records such as ‘Coverdale’ and ‘Coverdall’.

The earliest reference to the name can be found in the Londin Enrollment of 1276, where it is found associated with a particular Thomas Coverdell. Interestingly, the coat of arms associated with the last name features a black shield displaying three silver fleur-de-lis.

The meaning of the name has evolved over time, but the central motif remains the same – protection and safety. A sign of protection would not be unheard of for those living in hostile and dangerous times, but it also has positive connotations of strength, nobility and virtue. As such, the name Coverdell is a powerful reminder of the history and strength associated with its ancient source material.

Coverdell: Where does the name Coverdell come from?

The surname Coverdell is most commonly found in the United States of America, with a few occurrences in other countries as well. The majority of Coverdell households are concentrated in Georgia, followed by California, Alabama, Texas, and Florida. Coverdell is essentially a geographically concentrated surname.

In the United States, the earliest known Coverdell ancestor was George Washington Coverdell, who moved to Georgia from Virginia in 1839. Other family members followed George Washington Coverdell to Georgia, settling in Barrow and Clarke counties.

The 1910 US census shows that there were 132 Coverdell households in the country at that time. This number had increased to 294 by the 2000 US census. In the 2000 US census, Georgia had the most Coverdell households with 137, followed by California with 34, Alabama with 13, Texas with 13, and Florida with 6.

Coverdell families are also found in other countries, though in smaller numbers. Canada is home to at least 32 Coverdell households, while England has at least 10 households with the surname. Coverdells have also been found in Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, France, and Mexico.

Coverdell is an uncommon yet widespread surname which is mostly associated with the United States, though it has spread to other countries around the world. The earliest records of the surname can be traced back to Georgia, in the 1840s.

Variations of the surname Coverdell

Coverdell is a common surname with many variants and spellings. Alternative forms of the surname include Coverdale, Coverdill, Coverdall, Coverdeal, Coverdle, and Coverdal. It is likely that many of these variations developed over time due to changes in language, spelling, and dialect.

Coverdell is an English origin surname, with some potential French origins as well. It may have been derived from two Middle English words, 'couvre' meaning 'cover' and 'dale' meaning 'valley.' Together, it would mean 'valley of the cover.' Alternatively, Coverdell may be related to the French surname ‘Coverdel’ and be derived from an Old Norman name that is an adaptation of ‘couverdeau’ meaning 'rabbit keeper.' This name is a toponymic name for someone living near a place known as the 'Rabbit Valley.'

It is important to note that Coverdell is rarely used today as a given name. It is instead used as a surname and is particularly prevalent in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Famous people with the name Coverdell

• Paul Coverdell: Former U.S. Senator and Director of the Peace Corps.
• Joe Coverdell: Professional football player and former head coach for the University of Oregon Ducks.
• Asa Coverdell: Former member of the Georgia House of Representatives.
• Scott Coverdell: Former Republican Georgia State Senator and business executive.
• Lisa Coverdell: American comic book creator.
• Kristin Coverdell: American boxer and gold medalist for the 1996 Olympic Games.
• Mindy Coverdell: Former writer and editor for The New York Times and The Atlantic.
• Jan Coverdell: Radio and television host and producer.
• Benjamin Coverdell: American biologist and environmental scientist.
• Joshua Coverdell: Former member of the Georgia House of Representatives.

Other surnames

Coverdel