Surname Curd - Meaning and Origin

Curd: What does the surname Curd mean?

The surname Curd is of Anglo-Saxon origin, and is derived from the Middle English "curd(e)", meaning a "curd" or "jelly", which itself comes from the Old English word "cyrdel". The term was probably used as a metonymic occupational name for someone who made cheese or worked in a dairy. Also, it could have been used in a nickname sense, perhaps referring to someone with a rotund or jelly-like physique. The first recorded instances of the surname appear in English records from the 13th and 14th centuries, specifically in Yorkshire and Derbyshire. Today, people with the surname Curd can be found in England, Australia, the United States, and other English-speaking countries. Like many surnames, multiple variations, including Curdts, Kurd, Kird, and others, have evolved over time.

Curd: Where does the name Curd come from?

Curd is a surname that belongs to the category of hereditary surnames. Typically, these type of surnames were derived from a variety of sources including occupational trades, personal names, and names of places. The Curd surname is considered to have originated from Old English pre-7th century derivative "curteis," which means 'courteous'. This word later evolved into "curd", which was used as an occupational name for a refined or well-educated individual, likely a member of a distinguished household or attendant at a royal court.

In terms of the surname's current prevalence, Curd is not particularly common, but it is most frequently found in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia, according to most recent database. In the United Kingdom, it is often found in the southern English counties of Kent and Sussex. The United States, particularly the southeastern states, also has a reasonable number of bearers. The surname has been present in these regions for several generations, indicating a possible migration path from the UK.

Variations of the surname Curd

The surname Curd has varied significantly in spelling throughout years, likely due to changes in language, regional accents, and even different recording practices. Variations of the surname in English records include Curt, Kurt and Kerr. Some of these simply may be variations in spelling while others could possibly be derivatives from different roots or origins.

Curd is believed to be derived from the Middle English 'curd' referring to a dairy product made by coagulating milk, which was likely an occupational name for someone who made or sold this product.

The surname also might be of German origin as the name Kurt, originating from Konrad, a personal name composed of the elements "kuoni" (brave) and "rad" (counsel).

Another possible origin could be from the Welsh surname Kerr, which is said to be derived from 'carr', meaning spear.

Remember that surname origins can be complex and might have multiple valid interpretations. These are some possibilities for the surname Curd—actual origins and variations may vary based on individual family histories and geographic location.

Famous people with the name Curd

• Jock Curd: An Australian Rugby league footballer who played in the 1950s.
• Dorothy Curd: A 20th-century British actress who appeared in several stage productions and films including "The Weekend’s Amusement" and "In the Nick."
• Bill Curd: A prominent American businessman, known for being the President and CEO of the commercial real estate company, SL Green Realty Corp.
• Keith Curd: An American professional photographer who became famous for his work in the music industry, particularly in the field of Country Music.
• Gus Curd: A footballer for many English clubs like ‘Notts County’ and ‘Barnsley’ during the early 20th century.
• Jason Curd: An actor known for his roles in "Horrible Histories: The Movie: Rotten Romans" and "The More You Ignore Me."
• Martin Curd: Professor of Philosophy at Purdue University, renowned for his works on philosophy of science.
• Billy Curd: A Belgian film actor known for his roles in "Mr. Nobody", "Above the Clouds", and "D'Ardennen."
• Patricia Curd: A well-known philosopher and scholar of ancient philosophy with several publications.
• Tom Curd: A British actor known for his roles in "Pennyworth" and "Body of Water."

Other surnames

CuranCuraneCurbeauCurbelloCurboCurbowCurdeCurdsCurdtCurdtsCureeCureingtonCurellCurentonCuretonCurieCuringtonCurioCurkendallCurlCurlandCurländerCurleCurleeCurlewCurleweCurleyCurlieCurlieu