Surname Card - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'C'
Unexpected Discovery: Unravelling My Celtic Roots Through iGENEA
A casual decision to take a DNA test at iGENEA led to earth-shattering revelations about my ancestry. Originally believing my roots lay in North America, the results instead revealed a rich Celtic background in the Card family. These unexpected insights sparked an exploration of a culture previously unknown, and reshaped my self-understanding.
J. Card
read moreCard: What does the surname Card mean?
The surname Card is of Welsh origin derived from the personal name 'Caradog', which means “beloved” or “loved one”. The Welsh tradition of using patronymics meant that Caradog's descendants were known as 'the children of Caradog', eventually shortening to 'Card'. Variations of the name include Cardy, Cardie, and Caard.
Another possible origin of the surname Card is from the Middle English trade name for a "carder", someone who separated wool fibers for spinning, using a tool known as a card. So, in this context, it is likely an occupational surname.
It may also be related to the Old French word 'carde', which means 'thistle' or 'teasel', hinting towards a possible connection with the textile industry.
In general, surnames can hold significant information regarding the occupation, location, or family history of ancestors with a deep cultural and historical impact. However, the exact origin and meaning of the surname Card may differ for different people and their families, based on their specific ancestral histories and migrations.
Order DNA origin analysisCard: Where does the name Card come from?
The surname Card is of Welsh origin and is derived from the ancient Celtic word "Cared," meaning loving or beloved. This surname was traditionally given as a nickname to someone who was greatly cherished or loved by their community or family.
The Card surname is common in the United Kingdom today, specifically in Wales and England. Variations of the surname can also be found in Ireland and Scotland. Beyond that, the surname Card is also prevalent in the United States and Canada due to historic Welsh migration. Although it can be found worldwide, the heaviest concentrations remain in these primarily English-speaking countries.
Variations of the surname Card
The surname Card is of English origin and is derived from the early medieval English occupational surname for a maker or seller of cards, which were used for carding wool (comb to disentangle, cleanse, or mix fibers). Besides Card, it has been seen in records with various spellings like Cardd, Carder, Carders, Carde, and Cardes.
Other variations include Kard and Cerd, which resulted from the phonetic translation of the name to other languages or simple misspelling in records.
Since it's an English surname, it might have also been anglicized from a family of a different ethnicity with a similar sounding name, leading to various forms. In some instances, the French name "Cardon", Italian "Cardone" and even Celtic "MacArtain" were anglicized to "Card".
There are also surnames that are similar in pronunciation but have a different origin, like the Welsh surname "Carrd", which could easily be mistaken and might have become "Card" over time.
The surname has also been connected to the topographical name "Card" for someone who lived by a prominent rock or crag, from the Old Norman-French word "carre", derived from Late Latin "carrus", translating to rock. Variations include Carre, Carr, Carro, and Carros.
Famous people with the name Card
- Orson Scott Card: A prominent American novelist, known for writing the 'Ender's Game' and its sequel.
- Scott Card: An American TV presenter.
- Fortuna Düsseldorf Card: German professional footballer.
- David Card: Canadian economist.
- Doug Card: American football player.
- Emily Card: Actress known for her role in Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.
- Gillon Aitken Card: Known as a literary agent for authors such as Jung Chang and Norman Lewis.
- James Card: A film preservationist who founded the film department at the George Eastman House.
- Rueben Card: An Australian rules footballer.
- MaryAnn B. Card: A Republican member of the South Dakota House of Representatives.
- William Card: Former bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of South Dakota.
- Destinee Card: An American professional wrestler and actress.
- Bishop Card: (George Basil Cardinal Hume OSB, OM, MA, STL) British Catholic bishop.
- Audrey Card: An actress, known for her work in 'A Town Like Alice', 'Reach for Glory', and 'Man in the Moon'.
- Tom Card: An American marine biologist and wildlife photographer.
- Benjamin Card: Benjamin H. Card Jr., a Marine Corps aviator, and WWII veteran.
- Richard Card: A British barrister and legal author.