Cordell is an English given name and surname, derived from an occupational surname meaning "maker of cord" or "seller of cord" in Middle English. It is a diminutive cognate of the French name Corde.EtymologyThe name originates from Middle English cord (from Old French corde, meaning "string" or "rope") combined with the diminutive suffix -ell, forming a name that described someone who made or sold cordage. This occupational surname became hereditary and was later adopted as a given name in English-speaking countries.Notable BearersAs a surname, Cordell is associated with the Cordell baronets, a title in the Baronetage of England, including Sir Robert Cordell, 1st Baronet (c. 1616–c. 1680) and his successors. Notable individuals with the given name or surname include:Alexander Cordell (pen name of George Graber, 1914–1997), Welsh novelist known for historical fiction.Denny Cordell (1943–1995), English record producer and racehorse trainer.Cathleen Cordell (1915–1997), American actress.Frank Cordell (1918–1980), British composer and conductor.LaDoris Cordell (born 1949), American judge and activist.Linda Cordell (1943–2013), American archaeologist specializing in the Southwest United States.Sir James Cordell, commander of the Confederate spy ship CSS Lark.DistributionCordell is predominantly used in English-speaking countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. As a given name, it has moderate usage, while as a surname it is more common.VariantsVariant spellings include Cordel. The name shares a root with Cory (a diminutive of Coral) and is unrelated to the river name Corde.Meaning: maker or seller of cordOrigin: English occupational surnameType: Surname given as first nameUsage: English, American