Surname Kornegay - Meaning and Origin
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Kornegay: What does the surname Kornegay mean?
The last name "Kornegay" is of English origin, although it may have deeper roots in older European languages such as Old Norse. It is predominantly found in the United States, particularly in the Southern states. The exact meaning of the surname Kornegay is not known but like many surnames, it is believed to be locational, derived from a place name where the original bearer of the name lived or held land. However, there is some suggestion that it may be related to the Old Norse word "korn-gegn" which means "barley grower", indicating that the name could have originated from an occupational title for a person who grew or sold barley. Another possible interpretation suggest that it's a corruption of the French surname "corneille," meaning "raven," and may have been a nickname for someone with black hair or a dark complexion. As with many surnames, the exact meaning and origin can be difficult to determine without specific genealogical research.
Order DNA origin analysisKornegay: Where does the name Kornegay come from?
The surname Kornegay is thought to be of French origin, likely derived from Normandy in Northern France. Its earliest mentions trace back to around the 11th Century. Some early immigrants moved to Great Britain, specifically Cornwall. As a result, it became an old Cornish surname and has several variations including Kornegay, Cornegay, Cornegey, and Cornegie amongst others.
Migration and lineage dissemination over centuries brought this surname to the United States. An early ancestor named Richard Kornegay immigrated from England to North Carolina during the colonial times in the 18th Century, which led to the initial establishment of the Kornegay name in America.
Presently, the Kornegay surname is more commonly found in the United States, particularly in the southern states. While it is not excessively widespread, it has a strong presence in places like North Carolina, which has the most significant concentration of individuals bearing the Kornegay name, as well as in other states like Georgia, Alabama, and Texas. Elsewhere in the world, the name's presence is relatively less prevalent.
Variations of the surname Kornegay
The surname Kornegay is of English origin and most likely derived from a geographical location or topographical features. The name possibly evolved from a similar sounding English name or place.
Some possible variations and spellings of the surname Kornegay include Cornegay, Kornegayes, Kornegy, Cornegoy, Cornagu, Kurnegay, Cornigay and Kurnigay. It also may have ties with the surnames Cornish or Cornwall, given the geographical origins.
However, due to regional accents and the evolution of language over time, surnames can dramatically change in spelling and pronunciation. Immigrants moving to English-speaking countries often changed the spelling of their surnames to better assimilate, creating additional variants. For example, Kornegay could easily have been interpreted as Cornekay, Kornegaye, or Karnegay.
The name could also be altered by translation, with "corn" or "korn" referring to grain, a common feature in many European surnames. Thus, surnames like Kornfeld or Kornblum may be distant relations.
Comparing records from Census data, military records, and immigration documents can help validate these different variants, spellings, and possible relatives.
Famous people with the name Kornegay
- Dewey Kornegay: A professional football player who played in the National Football League (NFL) during the 1967 season.
- Wilbur Kornegay: A songwriter and producer who is known for cutting editorial and musical productions. Please note that the 'Kornegay' surname is not commonly associated with widely known celebrities or highly public figures. Availability of information is thus limited and potential records might not represent individuals of remarkable prominence in their respective fields.