What is the origin of the last name Cody?
Countries of origin for the last name Cody
The last name “Cody” is of Irish origin and is quite common in the United States. It is derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Cuidighthigh” which translates to “descendant of Cuidighthigh”.
One of the main factors contributing to the popularity of the name “Cody” in the United States is the significant wave of Irish immigration during the 19th century. Many Irish immigrants settled in different parts of the country, bringing with them their cultural heritage and surnames.
The meaning of the name “Cody” itself is not entirely clear, as it belongs to a group of Gaelic surnames that have various interpretations. Some sources suggest that it could derive from words meaning “helpful” or “knowledgeable”.
The popularity of the surname “Cody” in the U.S. is evident in its frequency distribution. According to the United States Census Bureau, “Cody” ranks around 365th in terms of the most common surnames in the country. This indicates a significant number of individuals bearing this surname.
It is worth noting that the usage of surnames evolved over time. In some cases, original versions of surnames underwent alterations due to factors such as Anglicization, transcription errors, or personal choices. This may result in variations in the spelling or pronunciation of the surname “Cody”.
Genealogical research can provide further insights into the specific family histories associated with the surname “Cody”. By delving into historical records, such as census data, birth certificates, and immigration records, individuals can trace their ancestry and potentially uncover more details about their unique family story.
In conclusion, the last name “Cody” has an Irish origin and has gained popularity in the United States due to Irish immigration. While the exact meaning of the name remains somewhat elusive, it is part of a larger group of Gaelic surnames. Genealogical research can provide individuals with the opportunity to explore their personal connection to this surname and uncover the specific narrative of their family history.
Interesting facts about the last name Cody
- The surname Cody is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic “O’Cuidighthigh,” meaning “descendant of the helpful one.”
- The name is commonly associated with County Roscommon and County Galway in Ireland.
- In Irish history, the Codys were initially part of the powerful O’Kelly clan and held territories in the province of Connacht.
- There are various spelling variations of the surname, including Coady, Codey, and MacCody.
- The name Cody can also be found in other parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, due to immigration and migration patterns.
- One notable figure with the surname Cody is Buffalo Bill Cody (William Frederick Cody), who was an American soldier, bison hunter, and showman famous for his traveling Wild West shows.
- Cody is a unisex given name as well as a surname.
- The Cody surname is ranked among the top 2000 surnames in terms of popularity in the United States.
- It is believed that the name Cody originated from the word “cuidightheach,” which means “helper” in Irish Gaelic.
- The surname Cody has been passed down through generations, often signifying a connection to Irish ancestry.
Name Rank
#1828
There are around 19600 people with the last name Cody in the US